It too many ways it just happens. We meet someone and we react. We may not know why or even how our eyes, ears, and noses work together to form the equation and instantly a sum. We just interact and draw a judgment. I could be wrong in my reaction, however it is rare that I even reconsider the result.
Think about all the flash points that rush you to a conclusion. Smell is probably the most obvious. It is as if we have no control. Sour, musty, and dirty-wet indicate one thing. Overwhelming perfume paints one feminine picture and quite a different one for men. In certain circumstances, dress becomes a dominant factor. For others, it is the sound and tone of the voice. Reactions come uninvited and stay longer than anyone would care to admit.
In today's world, our reactions are often a reflection of brand influence. If certain colors are “in” it is easy to conclude that the individual is up with the latest fashion. Who would think that it is just a color preference? If the media regards a lifestyle as cool, then the number of people trying to get in skyrockets! Our views of the young, old, rich, poor, and weak come from the media's foundation. We see and we believe. We hear and the sound becomes part of us. We smell and follow a predictable path.
Who wins? Often it is the cynics setting trends and fashion. Admired are the images we see flickering on the big and small screens. Ignored are the people struggling to survive. Boxed are those with burdens we cannot talk away. Invisible are those without clothing or status.
God reacts differently. “He gives proud skeptics a cold shoulder, but if you're down on your luck, he's right there to help.” (Proverbs 3.34) God judges all through the eyes of mercy, love and acceptance. God looks to the heart and then to his Son. His reaction is always to restore.
Each day presents an opportunity to clean the slate. Today, I am going to take it.
