Sometimes, I worry about others’ perceptions of me, for the most part because of my not-a-social-butterfly conversational skills. Words fly out of my head, and I can offer only short spurts of semi-stilted conversation. And when I become anxious, the volume of my voice can rise and, at times, my mouth spills inappropriate-for-the-situation comments.
What others think of this, I don’t know. What I do know is that when my life on this earth is over, I’d like to receive God’s reward of honor and glory for obeying him, as God predicted for Zedekiah, king of Judah, for his obedience of freeing the Hebrew slaves. (Sadly, we learn later in the story that his obedience faltered and the Hebrews enslaved their own people once again.)
Like Zedekiah, we face situations in which it’s not easy to choose to obey God. Giving up an accustomed way of life to obey God may lead to hardships, and how we handle these situations reflects our character. We may be tempted to smooth over the situation, make it seem easier than it is, but if we do, we do a disfavor to others, by deceiving them.
However, when we mimic Christ, by being truthful in all we say, our conversations, whether free-flowing or stilted, open the door for others to choose to obey God. Honest dialogue can lead others to the rewards of God’s blessings and toward eternity in our Father’s home. People remember such blessings when a person who left a positive mark on their life dies and they cry “Alas,” a prayer of grief.
This final lament of “Alas” goes hand in hand with obedience to God, especially in difficult times. When we lace our speech with biblical values such as compassion, kindness, humility, and encouragement, or when we offer help to our neighbor, our obedience to God shines through the chaos of life. When we act according to God’s word, we leave an impression. Let’s leave one that will have people mourning our loss and praying “Alas!”
Dear God, as I converse with others, lace my speech with truth and remind me to show compassion and kindness. May I leave an impression that draws the life of another toward your kingdom.
Throughout This Day: In your conversations, whether through electronic means or face to face, think of ways to leave an impression that reveals Christ.
Photo Credit: Nathan Timblin