“At that moment, the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Luke 22:61)
All it took was a look to communicate something to Peter; just a look from Jesus, not even a word. Above, you read how the silent message sent by the Messiah “flashed” through Peter’s mind, didn’t you? There is proof. Silent messages say more than words at times. That’s especially true when it comes to the silent message that we, saints, send to others. Our silent messages are clear, resounding impressions sent to the minds of those who take meaning from our ways, our words, and sometimes, even our speedy withdrawal from a specific opportunity to witness for the Lord. Oh, I wonder what we would think if we could see how the Lord’s face looks when He is watching us. Hmmm? Would He be delighted, disappointed or even dismayed? Would He give us that same look that our momma and daddy use to give us when we said something or did something that we should not have? Our elders did not have to say a word! The look, the silent message, spoke volumes in the recesses of our minds. We immediately felt regret, recognized our misbehavior, and we readily amended our behavior, or we would face, well let’s just receive the consequences described by the words, “our else.” Smile!
I also wonder what others, both believers and unbelievers deduct from our silent messages that we send by our movements and made faces. Are we about good news or just making noise that is not so good? Will they see the love of Christ? Will they see a caring disposition? Will they see “The Light” shining through us? Silent messages are something else. Will others glance at us and see that we are members of a holy nation, or will they see a message that says, “Don’t mess with me and I won’t mess with you”? Will they see behavior that matches your “amens” or will they see some conduct that needs godly amending? Will they see a joy that will jolt them out of their sadness, or will they see a silent message that does nothing to help them along the way? Somebody may be saying, “Stop messing with me!” Just like Jesus said, “I must needs go to Samaria,” I must needs write these words.” The Spirit says, “You can’t stop Mark!” Why? Because silent messages are something else. Think about what people will see a little more. Will they see what can be construed as a denial or will they see what can concur with a verbal statement that they heard come out of your mouth, “I’m one of His disciples.” Will they see you being the church or will they see behavior that is diametrically opposite of you being one of the saints that has sat in the sanctuary hearing a specific word from a specific messenger? Will others see you and hear, without a word being spoken, a message that says, “I’m striving to be holy,” or will they hear a message from you that makes them think, “I don’t see that you are holding on to their faith: a faith you say that works, a faith you say that witnesses, and a faith that you say that you worship by means of Christ-like living? Silent messages…they are something else. And we need to be aware of that and make sure we let the Christ be communicated wherever we find ourselves. Everybody is receiving your silent messages. Think about what I just said. One more thing to share with you before you go out this Tuesday, conscious of your silent messages that you will send.
Saturday night I attended a 30th anniversary of a local pastor, a great man, a servant of the Lord for sure. As one of the speakers on the program said, “His serving made Him great.” Those words echoed the words of Jesus, found in Matthew 23:11,”The greatest among you must be a servant.” How’s your serving? How’s your silent messages as part of your serving? Another speaker came to the podium and recited a poem, “I’d Rather See A Sermon,” composed by the poet, Edgar R. Guest. In case you have not heard it before I will close with it. Be blessed!
I’d Rather See A Sermon
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.
Mark L. King