You never get a second chance at a first impression. Are you giving a Christ-like impression to those you meet?
We know that first impressions are crucial, especially when meeting a pilot or other crewmember with whom you will be working closely. In those first few moments, we gather information and make quick judgment calls about the people we meet, and others do the same.
Dr. David Wheeler, one of my professors at Liberty University, teaches a three-step method to evangelism: Prayer, Care, Share. Before we even leave home, we can be praying for the Holy Spirit to speak through us in our encounters with others. We see Jesus do this very thing.
Equipped Through Prayer
“In these days He [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and all night He continued in prayer to God. And when day came, He called His disciples and chose from them twelve, whom He named apostles.” Luke 6:12-13 ESV
Before calling His disciples, Jesus prayed all night. We can pray for God to show us opportunities to share the Gospel, to bless our interactions with others, and even for help in knowing what to say. When we pray in this way, it is a reminder that the people we meet are all made in the image of God and our Heavenly Father loves each one of them. God has called us to this mission field; all we need to do is answer the call, and God will continue to equip us.
In my airline interview preparation class, we discussed ways to make a good first impression and things to avoid. First impressions are based primarily by appearance, body language, and tone of voice. With this in mind, how can we honor God when meeting others?
For an unbeliever, their impression of someone they know is a Christian will directly affect their view of Jesus Christ and of Christianity. For this reason, it is especially important to present ourselves well. We find this idea reflected in 2 Timothy.
Representing Christ as Ambassadors
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV
As God’s workers, we represent Christ as ambassadors to unbelievers. This includes competence and professionalism in our earthly work. By showing ourselves to be respectable individuals, we cultivate a favorable outlook among those committed to the Christian faith. When we make a positive first impression, we open the first door to Gospel conversations.
After work, you might hang up your shirt and be done as an airline employee for the day, but an evangelist is never off duty. This command to rightly handle the word of truth and represent Christ applies to every moment of our lives. We know that God is omniscient and watches us always, but we never fully know who else is paying attention.
Being Christ-like all the time is not easy. In fact, we cannot do it on our own. We must pray continually for God to sanctify us to make us more like Christ. We should invite God into each and every moment of our lives. When we do, we invite Him to imbue our lives with His joy and peace. The outward expression of these blessings to our hearts is the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Verse 25 of this passage says, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” (ESV), which continues the message of representing God in our daily lives. Other people will notice a life lived in this way, and 1 Peter informs us of how to be ready.
Preparing Ourselves
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 ESV
By praying for the people with whom we will interact, walking fruitfully in the Spirit, and being presentable and professional, we best prepare ourselves to represent Christ in a first impression.
