God impression
Published 1:41 pm Tuesday, January 7, 2020
At the dinner table in front of each of us was a beautiful 12-inch-high sculpture of an angel. We noticed each angel was different. One had larger wings or was a different color or wore a different style of clothing, but each angel was unique.
After dinner, our host announced that the angel in front of us was a gift. She asked an artist friend to design and craft the angels. Each one would be a work of art and a gift of love. Each angel would be unique, as we were unique.
Following the dinner, the guest speaker confessed to stuttering as a child, so severely he was often afraid to speak out loud. Yet every year he was asked by his church to be in the Christmas pageant. Every year he read a passage of scripture. Thanks to the encouragement of that church, God gave him more confidence. He eventually became a preacher – stutter free.
This pastor, just like the angel sculptures, was unique. We are all unique. Each of us has a story. Each has a potential ministry that leaves a lasting impression on others.
A God impression.
Joni Eareckson Tada wrote, “Have you ever played with Silly Putty? One interesting aspect of the putty is the way it will copy pictures out of a magazine. Press the clay against the picture and the impression of the picture will be left on the clay. A ‘God impression’ is a way of pressing your life up against someone else’s for a brief moment, so that when you peel away — you’ve left a God impression on that person.”
Colossians 4:5-6 says much the same thing, “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Live wisely – a God impression is not just about speaking.
Make the most of every opportunity – God will provide many opportunities.
Let your conversation be gracious – Graciousness and kindness leave impressions.
So that you will have the right response for everyone.
The right response becomes … our God impression.
Every time I see the angel given to us, I remember our host and her gracious encouragement. Every time I see that pastor, I remember how he overcame obstacles.
A unique gift – A God impression. A gift today but also a resolution to start the new year. May you receive many God impressions” throughout 2020. May this year also provide many opportunities for you to leave God impressions on others.
Rev. Larry E. Davies can be reached at larrydavies@vaumc.org.