I guess it's a natural instinct... jumping to conclusions based on first impressions. But as I look back over the years I know from personal experience just how wrong I've been... and all too often! An example of this very real danger was shared with me by one of my Christian friends in Northern Ireland during my time with TELit. He went on to say...
“I was in the habit standing on the corner of a certain street in my home town
giving out pieces of gospel literature and looking for opportunities to
speak with passers-by about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Well, on this particular day I became aware of three big and rather fearsome
looking young men approaching. Now as you know I'm on the senior
side of 70 and not much more than 5 feet tall, so these guys seemed to be
twice my size. Each had a Mohican hair style and was festooned with tattoos
and piercings. In view of their rather aggressive persona my natural instinct
was to exit the scene pronto, but I realised that this might have simply
invited unwelcome attention. So as they drew near... I prayed! Then just
as they passed by one snatched a leaflet from my hand.
Now it was a beautiful summer's day as these 3 hooligans (to my mind)
sauntered on, only to stop at some public seating further down the road.
And then, horror of horrors, after all 3 appeared to have scrutinised
my publication, one of the group began to stride back towards me.
'Oh no', I muttered to myself, 'here comes trouble!'
But then, to my complete and utter astonishment, what did he do?
He asked me for further copies for each of his 2 companions!”
IMPORTANT LESSONS
Now as far as I can see there were at least 3 important lessons for me to learn through this particular incident.
I need to remember that everyone, no matter their outward demeanour, needs to receive an understanding of the gospel... and needs to respond positively to it of course. After all, the Scriptures tell us of the danger we're in, unless and until we 'get right' with God...
'...how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?'
Hebrews 2:3
I also need to remember that none of us knows what's going on in the depths of someone's heart, or how the Lord may be drawing them to Himself. The Lord is far more concerned with someone's heart than what they look like, in which case I must...
'...regard no-one from a worldly point of view.' as, 'God does not judge
by external appearance...'
2 Corinthians 5;16 & Galatians 2:6
I must also resist the very real temptation to judge others, especially in terms of their outward appearance, manner or lifestyle...
'Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way as you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.'
Matthew 7:1-2
TIMELY REMINDER
This experience of my friend was certainly a timely reminder and a salutary lesson for me... and maybe you? Yes, false conclusions can easily be drawn from first impressions!
Always so insightful. Always so meaningful. Always from the heart and always a blessing.