Every time I ring the bell for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season, I’m fascinated by people’s demeanor as they pass the familiar red kettle. It was no different this past Saturday when Monieca and I, along with our friends Kim and Carl and their daughter Kayleigh, rang the bell at the JC Penney entrance at the Galleria Mall.
Some people started retrieving money from their purse, wallet or pocket in the parking lot as they walked in our direction. Some kids got excited and ran to the kettle. Other walked as far from the kettle as possible and refused to make eye contact, as though we wouldn’t notice them if they did look at us. Several were talking on their cell phone and appeared oblivious to everyone and everything around them. Most were outgoing, some were nice but quiet, and a few were…I don’t know what they were.
I like to engage people in conversation, so I’d usually say something to them as they approached our red kettle. It could be “Merry Christmas” or a comment related to something they’re wearing or doing. Most people responded to my comments with a smile and conversation. A few looked miserable and kept walking.
I know that a person’s demeanor doesn’t tell us everything about them, especially a brief glimpse by someone ringing a bell as people are Christmas shopping. However my experiences have shown me that most people are nice and willing to give something to help others. My experiences also have shown me that race and economic standing are not the determining factors some misguided folk think they are.
I sometimes wonder what God thinks when He looks at our demeanor. Yes I know that He knows our hearts, but what we do on the outside is just as important as what we feel on the inside.
I also wonder what our face, our words, our tone of voice…our demeanor…says to the lost people in our lives. They don’t always know our heart, so what they see when they look at us matters a whole lot.
What do people see when they look at you?
Pastor Steve Hogg
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