Coined in an advertising agency meeting for Nike, the “Just Do It” campaign launched in 1988. It was highly successful, as one of the top two taglines of the 20th century, being both “universal and intensely personal.” Nike presented this advertising slogan as the center of “a tough, take no prisoners ad campaign.” One of the campaign’s objectives was to target all Americans regardless of age, gender or physical fitness level. This universal message took Nike from 877 million to over 9 billion dollars in worldwide sales.
Believers are not called to talk about tennis shoes or sportswear. We aren’t depending on the power of the “swoosh” (the Nike tick logo seen on all its apparel). Our purpose is to target all people with the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 14:6). Our burden is to reach the world with the message of God’s inclusive good news. Our goal is to take the message presently received by 18.5 million members to the over 7 billion people presently populating the planet (Revelation 18:1).
We don’t have to make ourselves good enough, right enough, of strong enough…
The everlasting gospel is for every nation, kindred, tongue and people from a God of infinite love. It proclaims a living victorious Savior for all mankind who asks us to respond to His love by accepting the gift of salvation (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:5-6). It refuses excuses like I’m not good enough or I’m not strong enough. The gospel takes us as we are, where we are. Believe in Jesus. Accept Jesus. Respond to Jesus. Surrender to Jesus. Trust in Jesus.
“Just do it.”
“Just do it” includes asking, seeking, accepting, allowing, responding, embracing and every other “ing” that leads to salvation by grace.
We don’t have to make ourselves good enough, right enough, of strong enoug… we are called to place our hurting hearts in the care of Calvary.
“Just do it.”
Jesus steps into your world and creates you anew in the image of God.
We will be transformed. Our lives redirected. Our dreams will come alive. Hope is restored. Peace is found. Joy is defined. Purpose is discovered. Power is realized. Opportunity abounds and service takes the place of lethargy. Our eternal value is realized.
When you believe in Him, accept Him, and surrender to Him, Jesus steps into your world and creates you anew in the image of God. He brings back the joy, the peace, the hope, the purpose, the love. This is the message of the gospel. The hope of heaven is that everyone who hears the gospel message will “just do it.” Amen.
James Rafferty
James has spent more than 30 years preaching the gospel around the world in revival seminars and evangelistic meetings. He and his wife Risë have two adult children, Jeiel and Kierra.
