Countenance Counts
© 1998 Sid Galloway 

Your words can say "I love you",
but your face might be saying
something very different.
Know what I mean?

 

 

     Why is it that when one person yawns, others also start to yawn?

When I hang around with my friends from Jerusalem, India, or Mexico,
I unintentionally pick up some of their accents.


Neuro-scientists can't explain the mechanism for such contagious behaviors.
But it is an obvious fact that our Creator
made us to be relationally contagious and imitative.

Originally in a sinless world,
this quality was a blessing.
God's image & character was transferred like-Father / like-son.

But now in our sinful state of rebellion and ignorance,
our attitudes, countenance, speech, and behaviors
can tempt others in the wrong direction.
(and vice versa)

1 Cor 15:33
"Do not be deceived, Evil company corrupts good habits"

Prov 12:26
"The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray."

Prov 13:20
"He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed."

This is especially true when we are discipling or counseling others.
Speaking the truth is vitally important.
But without the right heart motive, countenance, and behavior,
words are cheap and reveal hypocrisy.