Beyond First Impressions
Don’t get me wrong. I think first impressions are important. That’s why I try to teach my children (including my own, my Lads to Leaders girls, and my school kids) that manners and an opening smile are important!
However, those first impressions are just that … impressions. They are based on perception and could be flawed for any number of reasons. The “impressed” could have a skewed view based on timing, mood, or what they expect. The “impresser” could be trying to give off a certain vibe that makes that gives a false negative or positive.
Recently, I have experienced first impressions that were not a full view of the person. This got me thinking about how thankful I am for those who have stuck around past a first impression to get to know the real me.
Then I thought about how long-suffering God is with me. There have definitely been some impressions I’ve made on Him that I hope aren’t lasting! And then, the thought that stops me in my tracks:
If I am a faithful Christian, God doesn’t reply on His impression of me. I stead, He sees the perfect blood of His perfect Son.
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)
‘But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
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AUTHOR: Amber Tatum
