Influence!

It is interesting to observe what others do when instructions are given, especially when those instructions are provided both audibly and visibly. When what is heard does not match up with what is said, what is most likely to be followed? I have seen (and even been caught up in) when someone commanded a group to raise their right hand, but at the same time raised their own left hand, that something amazing occurs. What happens with most people is they will generally follow the visual command rather than the verbal. This is what makes the old game of “Simon Says” so comical and tricky; people most often find themselves doing what the leader does rather than following the verbal commands. What this seems to illustrate is how we may be more easily influenced by WHAT IS SEEN than by what is heard. Someone has even pointed out that “The nerves leading to the eye are much larger than those leading to the ear. Science tells us that we give twenty-five times as much attention to what we see as to what we hear.” [original source unknown]

Can we understand the implications of this with regard to the manner in which we live? Even though we may speak the truth of God to others, the way we conduct our life is what may most attract the attention. WHAT WE DO seems to speak much louder than what we say.

James exhorted. . .
“(25) But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, BEING NO HEARER WHO FORGETS BUT A DOER WHO ACTS, he WILL BE BLESSED IN his DOING.” ( James 1:25 ESV)

By living properly, not only do we receive a blessing, but those around us potentially stand to be blessed as well. Paul noted in his Roman letter that when there is inconsistency in a life with this regard, it is a cause of the name of God being spoken against. ( Romans 2:21-24) Therefore, if we are going to be the influential salt and light ( Matthew 5:13-16) this world needs, we ought to give serious consideration to the consistency between the truth we speak and how it is practiced in daily living. May God’s powerful truths be lived out loud so that those around us will be able TO SEE His Wisdom with flesh on it.

Have a great day LIVING TO BE HEARD!
Carl

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