The word salesmanship has come to signify a quality that is crude, manipulative, crass, and bogus - conjuring images of Willy Loman, the infamous character from Death of A Salesman or a Xerox salesman meeting a quota. But this is a distorted way of viewing a critically important skill that everyone would benefit from mastering. Those who pride themselves on being salespeople, and others who shudder at the thought, have more in common than they think. In virtually every aspect of life, everyone is a salesperson. Success in life and the ability to sell are inexorably bound. Whether you are moving Chevys off a showroom floor, inspiring others to achieve a corporate goal, or raising future honor students, you have to educate. You have to influence. You have to sell.

Six billion people the world over believe in God without proof of his existence. They don’t require evidence; they have faith - the most powerful phenomenon in the world. If we understand how and why we have faith in God, we can use this power to create and lead more successful lives. Yes, as a salesperson, if that is your professional endeavour, but also in every other role you may play: doctor, lawyer, mother, father, senior executive or junior manger. 

As we learn from the Master, we discover:

God’s role of Master Salesman is really encouraging to me and pushes me to want to become the kind of person who can effect change in my world and be a blessing to everyone I meet - regardless of whether or not money will ever change hands. And I believe that if we will truly learn from the Master, the power of our faith can be cultivated for success in all aspects of life - whether we’re selling a product, a spouse on dropping that extra 10 pounds, kids on becoming honour students, or a best friend on trying something new. 

Remember, God is a salesman because He is an influencer, an educator, and a force that enables us to bridge the gap between what we see and a greater truth.  Think about what Jesus did with his life: he sowed ideas. He didn’t look like he was selling because he wasn’t. While the multitudes around him were accepting life as it was, Jesus was advocating a better way, a kinder way, a more meaningful way.                

About the author
Mark Stevens is the author of God Is A Salesman 2008. For more information, visit http://www.godisasalesman.com/