I have never been a big fan of Christianity as a marketing niche, like the product registration cards where you check Bible study under "Hobbies and interests" and then get bombarded with catalogs of Christian books, music, jewelry, stationery, etc. I understand the need for Christian media, what is now acceptable in our culture is rarely appropriate for Christians, I just think it marginalizes our faith into the Christian Interest corner of life. There is more to be be enjoyed in art than a Biblical scene and/or a verse. Reading only "Christian" books can save me the effort of vetting authors myself, but there are great works of literature that are not overtly Christian. And despite those who claim to know what the Bible doesn't say about what kind of music is pleasing to God, there are many types of music to be appreciated and enjoyed. God gifts are too numerous to confine to the Christians Only club. Bumper stickers, necklaces etc. are trappings of our faith, transformed lives are the truth.
Christianity at its core, is the act of God in replacing a heart of stone with a living, spiritual one. If our bumper sticker is a better testimony than our behavior, we'll have to wear it on our backsides. My desire is to have a home that is welcoming and gracious enough to provide opportunities to talk to guests about Christ. My hope is that I will be recognized as a Christian because of my peace and joy, not my T-shirt. When I worked at the hospital, I could tell when I walked into the room of a Christian by the peaceful atmosphere. Even the shut in for whom I shop, with no apparent spiritual understanding, tells me that something about me makes her feel relaxed and happy. This is not unique to me, I can usually spot a Christian even when she is a total stranger.
You will find many Christian books in my home, but more humor books. I have only two verses hanging on my walls, and those were gifts. Most of my pictures are of wildlife. We do not have bumper stickers on any of our vehicles. I am not opposed to those things, but I do not feel the need for them to help me focus on God. The view from my windows does that, my quiet time does that. God has imbedded Himself so deeply in my heart that I see Him everywhere. Trappings can be left behind in our closets and cars and houses, what we carry with us is the truth.
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