Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him.  This is how we know that we love God’s children when we love God and obey His commands. For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands.  Now his commands are not a burden, because whatever has been born of God conquers the world.  This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?  1 John 5:18 HCSB

You’ve probably heard it said that you never get a second chance to make a first impression.  On dates and job interviews first impressions are very important.  But we all know that there are people that leave a lasting impression on us for one reason or another.

Some people we remember because they leave a good impression and some we remember because they leave such a bad impression. I want you to think about both kinds of people.  Think about the people that have made not so good impressions on you, those that you consider underhanded or evil or maybe just mean or annoying. Then think about those that you consider to be good people. The kind of people that you know will lend a hand when you are in need, those that are just kind.

Some people are beautiful inside and out and certainly make a good impression. Others are beautiful on the outside, but rotten to the core. While others are not so attractive on the inside or the outside.

A couple of months back I ran into a young man who came to do some work at our church.  He seemed to have such a peace and joy about him. I asked him if he had a home church.  He told me that he went to a church about 15 miles away where his grandfather was pastor. This is when I realized that his aunt had interned in my office over 20 years ago.  Now, we had numerous interns and I must say that I remember only a few of them. But, I remembered his aunt because she had that kindness about her. She had that kind of love that lets you know that she is a child of God. Many young interns that came through our doors were out to save the world. But this young woman, who was early twenties and nearing college graduation, just had love. She didn’t have any unrealistic expectations, but had that spirit about her that causes people to remember her because of her kindness and her ability to get along with everyone.

Our scripture passage today tells us that if we truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God that we can conquer the world, that we have victory through our faith. It tells us that we know that we love His children when we love Him and keep His commands. When we love the Lord and we love His children and keep His commands, we make a lasting impression.  We make a good lasting impression.

Now maybe you are reading this and saying that you don’t care what others think about you.  To that, I say, “Good, you are off to a good start.”  We should not be concerned with what others think about us, but be very careful because we should be striving to please God. Galatians 1:10 says, For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ. 

Our goal should never be to please people, but when we strive to please God people will see that inner peace and joy that we have in our lives. People will see that we have something that they want. It leaves a good impression. Proverbs 16:7 tells us that, When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him. 

I don’t know what you may be going through today, but I know that you can conquer the world if you have faith in God.  I know that whatever you are facing, God’s got this. Our pastor also tells us that we may be the only bible some people ever read. What kind of impression are you leaving on others?  When you are around others, do they see that you have something they want? Or, do they just want you to go away? Do you show God’s love to others? Does the way you live your life bear witness for Him?

I’m not saying that you should spend all your time worrying what others think. On the contrary, we know that we will be persecuted for our faith.  There are those that will call us hypocrites and even worse. But I am saying that if you love God, it shows. If you are filled with the Holy Spirit, it is going to be spilling out of you. So, I ask you today, what kind of impression do you leave with others? Will they remember you 20 years from now?  Will it be a good or bad memory? Our witness is very important and it is something that the devil wants to destroy. Don’t let him do it. Trust in God, believe in Him, love others and keep His commands and you can conquer the world.

Have a great day!