Face Value

Browsing through the blog world, I found myself at http://aholyexperience.com/. While enjoying the beauty of her words amidst thought-provoking pictures, I happened upon 7 simple words. Yet, in spite of their simplicty, these words have been ringing through my mind.

"If you are saved, inform your face." ~Unknown (Read the complete article at her website under the February 25th post).

What does my face show? I really had to ponder this for awhile. Reluctantly, I succumbed to the truth that there are many times that my face is completely unaware of the amazing saving grace of Jesus that it has directly benefitted from. It would be easy to excuse it because, after all, this old mouth won't be in heaven so what does it really concern my face anyway? But we ought not to let it off the hook so quickly! We know that the word speaks of our countenance and Jesus helps us to understand that whatever is in the heart comes out of the mouth. So doesn't it stand to reason that whatever is in our heart will also effect our countenance?

My countenance can be an effective witnessesing tool. If it's smiling, silently telling the story of some outrageously great event, people will want to know why. But even more importantly, I think about what that smile or countenance communicates to my Lord. If I go around with a sullen, plain or stern face, aren't I robbing Him of a simple pleasure? He delights in the joy of His saints!

I don't believe it is the intent of any of us that love the Lord to walk around with a countenance that would indicate anything other than our joy and love for Him. But what often happens is that we get stuck in the routine of life without taking time to acknowledge Him or meditate on all He is to us.

I can't help but remember the song, "If You're Happy and You Know it, Clap Your Hands" when I think of the above quote. Doesn't that song just make you want to say, "Duh!"? Of course we realize that if we're happy there should be an expression of emotion that goes along with that. The same is true for this simple, yet deeply profound quote, "If you are saved, inform your face." This should be a "duh!" also, but sadly we may be missing out.

So what's your face saying? Be honest with yourself. And may all of our faces shine forth the salvation of the Lord. As I explained it to my kids....in other words, SMILE! :)