First Impressions!

First impressions can be lasting impressions. It's often the first time we meet someone that may impact our beliefs about another; creating distance in the relationship.

I once visited a church that I was asked to preach at. As I arrived early to prepare the man at the entrance said to me, “We were ties in this church!” I obviously didn’t wear a tie with my outfit. I was taking back a bit. Joking I said to him, “You must own the place?” With that I proceeded, not taking a serious offense doesn’t matter. After the service let me in came right up to me, after hearing my message he stated, “Sir, that statement I said to you at the entrance doesn’t pertain to you!”

Talk about leaving the lasting impression, I will never forget that interaction. It’s all too often that negative impressions linger in our lives far too long. It may cause us to add distance to our opportunities!

The patriarchs & prophets of the Bible left initial impressions. As you read the old testament you may get a certain impression about those culture and time we’re very different than our own. In fact, we often place our current culture and expectations over historical times which leaves us with a negative impression. History‘s values must be judged by those times.

One interesting story from the old testament vols man who had leprosy. This man was a mighty warrior but suffered from this horrible illness. A young handmaiden desired that this man would be healed is that word that he should go see a man that had the reputation of healing. Naaman perhaps felt a little slighted from the interaction when the prophet did not come out to meet him in any proper manner. Elijah simply gave instruction for what the man was to do to be healed. The captain of the army was insulted but later was encouraged to follow through with the instructions which resulted in his healing.

Naamam's (Captain of Aram's Army) first impression of Elisha almost cost him a miracle. (2 Kings 5) 

Our first impression of the church could miss out on a blessing. I often tell people that the church will let you down. People in the church are not perfect. That is why we need to keep our eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith! While many have an impression of the church and we must represent the church and our Christ well, we cannot give up on the opportunity to receive a blessing. (Read Psalm 122:1)

Indiana has the reputation of being fickle given the weather patterns. Sometimes it is up and other times it is down! We often tell each other about the weather, if you don’t like what you see, just wait, it will change! The beauty all around us is a reminder of God’s blessings! Though it may rain and storms come, we must be reminded to wait upon the Lord because out of the storm come great blessings! 

Have you judged someone too harshly? Who can you get to know more about?