Lifestyle Evangelism is . . . Shown in Expressions.

What is that look on your face? Is that a look of pleasant surprise? Is that a look of disgust? Is that a look that implies, “you’re invading my turf”? Just what is that look? How often it is that our expressions negate our words? Too often.

When you greet someone on Sunday morning, someone who is not a member of our congregation, but someone who is a guest worshiping with us, what “look” do you give them? Perhaps your words are words of welcome, but what is your expression? Is your expression an expression of welcome as well?

And what about your body language? Does your body language betray your words? Does your body language express joy and excitement? Do you lean in and listen? Or are you looking around for a friend? Are you antsy and cannot wait until your “little ‘hello’” is completed so you can say you greeted a guest at worship?

The Lord knows we struggle with these expressions. He knows we need all the help we can get. And He is there ready to help us. As we come to worship, as we ask Him for help, so He is there to help us in greeting our guests with sincerity and love. He is there to help us to meet and greet as well as to show forth our expressions of care and concern.

If you are not sure about your expressions, try looking in the mirror, or even asking a good (honest) friend what your expressions are saying, aside and apart from your words.

Perhaps you have heard the expression, “If you are happy, let your face know.” How true it is that what is in our hearts and minds does show through our words as well as our expressions. May the Lord help our thoughts be thoughts of love, care and concern, and may He work those thoughts through our words as well as our expressions so that our guests may truly know they are welcome and wanted.

30 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs