We were on a cycle tour to Canada, going through San Francisco on the way.
A beautiful summer day, we decided to ride through the town, rather than around
it, and see the new Giants ballpark. A beautiful area now from what had once
been a run down dock area, a man approached us scalping tickets. Not really
interested, I shot him back a price, and he accepted-so I had to take them, and
they turned out to be behind home plate in the 13th row-you could hear the
umpire talking to the catcher. And so we got to see Barry Bonds that day,
hoping he would hit one into the bay, and the fans in the kayak could chase it.
He never did, but did leave a lasting impression on me. He actually dogged two
separate hits to him, being so lazy he turned them both into doubles. We could
see perfectly where he was playing left field, and our old coach Mr. Lawrence
would have never allowed us to do that. But yet here was Mr. Home Run King
acting like he was only shagging fly balls. Not the impression I had of him,
but one I was left with, and to this day, I still think of him as a lazy bum.
Based on the one time, the only time I ever saw him play. His witness
anything but an All Star performance.
We are told that first impressions are the most important, but I have found
that like Dave Thomas’ philosophy of the best tow bites of a burger, the first
and the last, the last seems to stick with us more. The first bite to say “oh
how good,” and the last to make us say “I want another.” Sorry Barry, you had
it your way, you ain’t no king to me, and I lost all respect for you that day.
By the way, the Giants won. But just like the thousands watching the game that
day, many watch us everyday, and if we have told them we are a Christian, they
expect certain things from us. And you may only get one chance to many to be
that Bible they are looking to read, or to condemn. So our actions and
attitudes, along with our words and reactions tell more about us and Jesus than
the best sermons. Or our best recitation of the word. So we need to walk
softly with Jesus, and when it comes from inside, and when we are in the spirit,
then we see lives changed. Sadly we see lives changed from when our flesh acts
up too. A good example is you are saved, and still drink. Proclaiming it is
OK, falling back on bits and pieces of broken scripture to justify your sin.
But a man is watching who isn’t saved, and thinks “he drinks, he sleeps around,
he watches porno, and he cheats on his taxes. So do I, so what is different
between the two of us?” And although we don’t lose our salvation through our
continued sin, he never gains his because of it. So ask yourself, is that how
you want to represent the one who saved you? The creator of the universe? Is
that the gospel you which to portray?
I know this will start arguments, and being caught in sin always will seek
justification for the sinner, but consider the character of God, and consider
him. We find in Galations 5 the “fruit of the spirit,” love, joy, peace,
patience, goodness, kindness, meekness, long suffering, and self control. All
things that describe the character of Jesus. Character being who you are,
reputation being what people see, character shows in the situation when we least
expect it. Self control manifests itself in our decisions, our choices, and
shows where we are with Jesus. Meekness says no when we can say yes,
considering others first. Just like Jesus considered us first, for while we
were yet sinners, he died for us. But goodness and kindness, who cannot use a
little more of both? He had compassion on the woman caught in adultery, where
are your accusers? Also where was the man, I understand it takes two. We will
never know what he wrote in the sand, but he did it kindly, maybe a reputation
of each man there, but never exposing their deepest rejection of him, he was
kind. Not bringing new sin to light, but writing what everyone knew already,
and they all left. He was kind and gentle the man who was blind, showing
goodness to those he healed. His character always on display for all to see, he
never got angry and sinned, a miracle often over looked. Even his calling of
the woman caught was with a sign of respect, the same way he responded to his
mother when she complained about the wedding having no wine. He didn’t talk
down to anyone, showed respect, love, and compassion, but yet stood firm in who
he was. How do we stand, where is our character?
If your idea of growing in Christ is wearing out the seat of your pants
before the soles of your shoes, get out like Jesus told us and make disciples.
Take the gospel out to all you meet, and don’t step over any Lazaruses along
the way. The ultimate kindness, he showed respect to him, where the rich man
ignored him, probably cursing him having to step over him everyday. The rich
man stepping over a man who represented Jesus, and we find two different lasting
impressions.
What is your lasting impression of Jesus? We can see him on the cross
before we can remember his words. Actions are like that, and the world was
watching that day, and everyday since. Yet he chooses us to be his
ambassadors? His depth of love and understanding must go far beyond those of
mortal men, but I know I don’t wish anyone to go to hell. Consider that the
next time you think it is OK, or that no one is watching. Maybe Barry forgot
that that afternoon. Just another game to him, there would be others, but only
one chance for me to see him live. Today you may be the only, or possibly the
last time anyone sees the gospel. Make a lasting impression on them, being kind
and good, Show them love by putting them first, no retribution, and respond as
Jesus would have. Many ask “what would Jesus do?” If you know him, you
shouldn’t have to ask.
What was your first impression Jesus? Your last one will leave a lasting
impression long after you are gone. Love him in the morning when you see the sun
a rising, love him in the evening cause he took you through the day. And in
the in between times when you feel the pressure rising, remember that he loves
you. And promises to stay with you.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com