At the dinner table in front of each of us was a 12-inch-high sculpture of an angel, so beautiful we couldn’t help admiring. We noticed each angel on the table 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 Christmas gift from her. Two years ago, 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.
At the same dinner, a speaker confessed he stuttered as a child. The problem was so severe he was afraid to speak out loud. Yet every year he was asked to be in the church Christmas pageant. Every year he read the same passage of scripture. Thanks to the encouragement of that church, God gave him more confidence. He eventually become 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.
An impression. 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.”
Then Joni goes on to say: “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.”
“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 reminder that a God Impression is not just about speaking.
· “Make the most of every opportunity” – God usually gives at least one every day.
· “Let your conversation be gracious” – We remember those who are gracious.
· “So that you will have the right response for everyone.”
The right response is our “God Impression.”
Our unique angel sculpture left a “God Impression” on each of us. A pastor who overcome his stuttering also left a “God Impression.”
• Live wisely.
• Make the most of every opportunity.
• Let your conversation be gracious.
• So that you will have the right response for everyone.
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 and a resolution to start the new year.
