IMPRESSIONS

Driving to work today, I saw a hybrid car with three bumper stickers--"Go Vegan," "Namaste Yoga," and a presidential bumper sticker for the self-professed left-leaning party.  The day before, I got behind a large, American-made SUV that also had a few bumper stickers, one praising the second amendment, another saying "Abortion stops a beating heart," and a third that promoted the other major, American political party's candidates in the last election.  You can get mad at me if you want, but if you get behind these cars you, too, will begin to form impressions (whether favorable or unfavorable) about the drivers of these automobiles.  You will either identify with them or feel alienated from them, though you have very likely never met them.  They have sent out signals, impressions about what they think and how they feel. You may agree with one thing they promote, but not like others.

You know, we all do that every day.  We are giving others a distinct impression about ourselves, and we do so without even trying.  When they hear what we say and how we say it, they form an impression about the kind of person we are and about our character.  The way we dress is sending a message, for good or ill, that causes people to take us seriously or dismiss us and even to trust or distrust us.  How we decorate our cubicle or school notebook, the music and music groups we tout, the movies and TV shows we rave about, and so much more help others form impressions.  A worldly mind will feel a kindred spirit toward us if we are emanating worldly impressions.  When our behavior is distinct and Christlike, that, too, will make a lasting impression on others around us.  It will turn off those disinterested in spiritual things, yet it may attract some searching soul who sees us and wants to know more.  What kind of impressions are we leaving?

 

--Neal Pollard