This week, I was looking into a neat program that does those videos you sometimes see of a hand drawing a picture while the narrator speaks. The program is called Doodly. I have not made my decision about purchasing this program. However, I was intrigued by their disclaimer:
It’s really up to you
Disclaimer: We do NOT believe in get rich quick programs. We believe in hard work, adding value and dedication to reach your goals. It’s a fact that one that does not take action will see no results whatsoever. The results featured on this page are not the norm and are extraordinary results from hard work, commitment and dedication by following through and taking action. You will get no results whatsoever if you assume by soaking up information products, joining program after program your life will change with riches. This is not for you. Your results are based upon your actions. If you want a magic button that will fulfil your life with riches then please leave this page and do NOT purchase. Our products are intended to help you share your message with the world whilst growing your business. We don’t make any guarantees about your own results because we don’t know you. Results in life are solely based on decisions made. We are here to help and guide you to move forward faster by giving you awesome content, direction and strategies to reach your end goal. Please check the content thoroughly on this page and that you are committed to taking relentless action and will put in the effort before you decide to make a purchase. If not then please leave this page and do not purchase.
Faith without works
Being who I am, I immediately put this is a faith context. I think this could have been written by the author of the book of James. I have known people who bought expensive Bibles or Bible commentary sets intending to read them. But that is only the first (possibly unnecessary) step to becoming a faithful Christian, much less a great Bible teacher. Buying the latest and best translation will get you nowhere if the book sits unopened. “It’s a fact that one that does not take action will see no results whatsoever.”
This is not normal
Or, maybe the author of Luke-Acts would want to make his disclaimer after telling stories of stunning works by apostles and the early church. “The results featured on this page are not the norm and are extraordinary results from hard work, commitment and dedication by following through and taking action.” Of course, Luke would say that the stunning stories were due not only to a person’s efforts but primarily through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. Still, think of Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24) who wanted to become rich by using the Holy Spirit’s power. “If you want a magic button that will fulfill your life with riches then please leave this page and do NOT purchase.”
No guarantees
“We don’t make any guarantees about your own results because we don’t know you” did not come from the Lord’s mouth in the Great Commission, but, “We are here to help and guide you to move forward faster by giving you awesome content, direction and strategies to reach your end goal” is pretty close to “and lo I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Take up your cross
And, “Please check the content thoroughly on this page and that you are committed to taking relentless action and will put in the effort before you decide to make a purchase. If not then please leave this page and do not purchase” is close enough to “if any person wants to be my disciple, let them take up their cross daily and follow me.”
I’ve read many introductions to the Bible. Yes, I actually read the translators’ introductions! What I’ve never seen is a disclaimer. Maybe it’s needed.
