By Harold Keller / L’Observateur / October 28, 1998

I like to read billboards, bumper stickers and signs in front of churches.

Last week, a sign in front of a church read: “If you have Jesus in your heart, notify your face.” I really like that message. People don’t know andcan’t see your heart, but they can read your face.

Too many Christians send a negative message without saying a word. Anangry, or sad look sends out a message that you’ve been robbed of your joy – you’re defeated. A smile and a cheerful look will send a message of joy -you have the victory. The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is strength.The look on your face will, most of the time, reveal what’s in your heart.

One of the biggest enjoyments I get in life is meeting people. I like to talkto people I don’t know. I don’t think I’ve ever met a stranger. My experiencewith people is that the majority is really open to verbalize with anyone who seems to have joy. Joy will allow you to smile and a smile will breakany language, age or color barrier.

Thursday, as I was pumping gas at the Shell service station on the corner of LaPlace Park, I noticed a lady getting out of her car with a soft drink, smoking a cigarette, and trying to empty her ashtray. She didn’t notice meuntil I told her, “If you would quit smoking, you wouldn’t have to empty the ashtray.” She smiled, walked over to me, and said, “Please pray for meto quit.” I agreed to do so, and also told her that she had to have faith, butmust also take action. In other words, she would have to stop lighting up.”I’m a Christian,” she added. “If you are,” I said, “then you believe thatyour body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.” “Yes, I most certainly do,” shesaid. “Then quit choking the Holy Spirit!” I replied.The reason I share this experience is because that lady could tell by my spirit that I wasn’t condemning her, but loving her. She immediatelyreceived because, at that time, my face gave a positive message. She wasthen able to receive a challenging suggestion from a person that she didn’t even know.

Jesus said that He is the light of the world and that a person who follows Him shall not walk in darkness. The Bible says that you (a Christian) arealso the light of the world. Don’t hide your light under a bushel. In somecases, the bushel could be that negative message you send with your face.

We live in a very dark world. Maybe it’s time we professed Christians turnon the light switch. Notify your face of what you have in your heart.

Harold Keller is a regular columnist for L’Observateur

Copyright © 1998, Wick Communications, Inc.

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