A Sticker For You
I put a Harley Davidson sticker on the rear window of my truck. I’ve noticed some things. People tend to treat me differently on the road now. Seriously. They seem to give me a little more space. Fewer cut me off by squeezing in tight spaces in front of me. I’m wondering if it’s the reputation that old school Harley riders had. Has the sticker generated a little fear? Whatever it is, I like the respect on the road I seem to be getting.And then I began to ask myself, what kind of bumper sticker, or badge, are people seeing on me. I mean, what instant impression do they get when they see me, in public or private. Because all of us generate thoughts in others by our first impression. And so…how can I give the vibe that I’m approachable, kind, and that there is something special in me…because there is. If I have the Holy Spirit, how can that be on display?What sort of bumper sticker can I put on me?Our staff is now reading and discussing Dale Carnegie’s classic, “How to Win Friends & Influence People.” His second principle in making an impact with people is so simple. It’s just this: SMILE.Of course, being a witness for Jesus is a lot more than that. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). But can you really have love, joy, peace, etc. and rarely smile? Such a simple thing, and yet so powerful. Communicate your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, etc. with a simple gesture to let people know what and who is inside of you. I’m not talking about a fake, plastic, forced smile. I’m talking about a genuine gift of kindness that you give to others. A universal expression that says that you care.It's still important for us to do things for people. All Christians are called to be generous. To sacrifice. To serve. But the one quick badge or bumper sticker that we can wear, that draws people in and opens doors for further opportunities to share Jesus, is a simple smile.And just think. What if every Christian exhibited this simple act of kindness to everyone, everywhere. Think of the reputation we’d gain, as opposed to the angry, legalistic, stuffy, or condemning labels that many have. What if we were known by our smiles, and then the ensuing lifestyles that back them up?So let’s just start there. It’s a simple sticker you can put on in an instant, and it can be a gift you give to all you pass today. Smile.