He was only 17. I was over 50. He was my student. I was “the teacher of the year”. Sit at my feet little grasshopper, I will teach, you will learn. Only God had a different plan, this boy was to teach the man. Thank you Lord for I needed to be reminded. Thank you Lord for the tender heart of this boy, he melted my callus heart.

     His comment was “If you tell me about someone, then my impression of them will be influenced by whatever you have told me good or bad and it is usually the bad that is told.” 

     He was right. If you tell me someone is shy, I will have a certain response to them based on that information. If you tell me some one is conceited, I will have a totally different response. A naturally quite person can be looked upon in two totally different ways based upon the information others have given as an explanation of their silence.

     His next question was “What have you heard about me?

     With this thought in mind, think about the power you have to influence a person’s expectations. Our ability to influence is powerful. Here are a few common examples:

“Oh, you haven’t met John? Well I think you will really like him!”

“You’ve never been to worship with us at East Brainerd? I think you will really like our new preacher.”

“I know your kids will love our children ministry, ever kid loves Mr. Steve.”

     It doesn’t take much effort, but it makes a tremendous difference when we choose to say things that are positive. When we use this principle on a regular basis it benefits those we are commenting on and those we are commenting to and most of all it helps us. It forces us into the habit of thinking about what is good.

     I have never known a happy critical person, HAVE YOU?

     By the way, my question to him; “What have you heard about me? 

Brother Dave