Impressions

By Beau Bruton

We all have people we look up to for one reason or another. After meeting someone, it’s common to say, “They made a good impression on me.” The word impression can mean your first thoughts on someone, mimicry of someone, or the imprint of something.

Many people look up to the rich and famous—musicians, athletes, movie stars, and sometimes politicians. People of note leave indelible marks on society, sometimes for good things but often for bad. Kirk Franklin sings, “America has no more stars, now we call them idols.” (He obviously is referring to TV’s American Idol.) But consider that lyric for a minute. What do we make “idols” of today?

It can be dangerous to make anyone an idol in your life. If you are going to allow someone to have a big impression on you, you need to learn about the person by spending quality time with them. Our risen Savior, Jesus, should make the biggest impression on our lives, of course. The Bible contains all we need to learn and know about him. And we have the awesome privilege of communicating with God in prayer.

One way to assess how big an impression Jesus can have on your life is by considering his nail-scarred hands. As we come around the Lord’s table, we pause to remember the multiple physical impressions left on Jesus’ body during the crucifixion process. They remind us of his deep, sacrificial love for us.

Beau Bruton enjoys serving with Cave City (Kentucky) Christian Church. He has been happily married for 17 years and has one daughter.