“Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in the mirror. For he looks at himself, goes away, and forgets what kind of a person he was.” James 1:23-24
A few years ago, a new friend began visiting our church. After visiting us for a while we asked how he felt about the church. Overall, he was pleased but wondered why more people had not engaged him in conversation. “Your people could be more friendly he said.” Our response was very enlightening.
Our friend always sat in one corner of the sanctuary, the end seat in the back row. He rarely got up and moved around. His countenance revealed the attitude – you should be glad I’m here. He never smiled. He appeared gruff and unwilling to be bothered.
When we made him aware of his appearance, he was appalled! He had no idea how his facial expression and body language expressed a leave me alone look. Once aware the problem wasn’t with others but within himself, things changed dramatically.
Our friend kept the same seat but began standing more often and moving around. He gave the appearance of being glad to be there and most importantly, he smiled a lot. Our friend began making new friends immediately. He even got invited to lunch.
It can be a real eye opener when we realize how we see ourselves and how others see us can be so different. Taking time to take a hard look in the mirror is revealing. Do others see Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker? The Wicked Witch of the West or Dorothy?
The old adage that a smile can brighten a room is still true. It can also help us engage people in conversation. I recently saw a man seated in a hover-round I had not previously met. I walked to him smiling and simply said, “What kind of mileage do you get with that thing?” In the next ten minutes I learned much about this man by simply showing interest in him.
Being a doer of the Word simply means we have taken a good look at ourselves before we begin blaming others for not treating us the way we’d like to be treated.
Take this challenge. Stare at your face in the mirror for several minutes. Smile at yourself. Grin. Show your stern face, your mad face, your disgusted face. Which would you like to project more often? Which face will reflect the Lord Jesus?
Let’s face it, even we could be more friendly!
Blessed by you…Bro. Sherman
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