What do you give off?

Pic by: Lea vd Heever

What do you give off?

   This is a question I've been throwing around in my head for a while now. Each one of us communicate with other people without actually talking or making gestures on a conscious level. In fact it's a consistent 'vibe' that you're giving off, that other people react to. It's not that spooky if you think about it. I'm talking about the way you think and act without even knowing it; this could include body language, frame of mind, confidence, mood etc. People react to you according to what you give off.

   Bear with me for just a second, I am getting to something a little more concrete! As Christians what kind of signals should we be giving off when we interact with people? How should people feel after having been around you, regardless of what you say or do, but just by assessing what is going on in your heart? Remember, humans aren't just physical beings, we are spiritual as well. There are many unseen things that trigger reactions in our spirits, which make themselves known in our physical bodies. Take worry for example, I have known people to become physically sick, just by worrying, it's true.

   The state of your heart will always come through in your physical, no matter how well you try to hide it. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life (Prov 4:23). Insecurities will show up at the funniest of times and manifest in many different ways.The most important manifestation of what is going on in your heart can be seen by the type of environment or atmosphere you create when you are around other people.

   As born-again believers, we should always bring the hope, safety and joy into a situation; because that's what Jesus would have done. It is our responsibility to make other people feel as safe as possible so that they are able to express themselves fully, as God made them. The kingdom of heaven is righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17), we are meant to be carriers of this kingdom and therefore exponents of these qualities.

   So my question to you is: What are you giving off? Are you so secure in your relationship with Christ in your heart, that without thinking or being purposeful about it, you can change the atmosphere in a room? Do other people feel safe around you, free to be themselves? Is it easy for you to encourage and admonish other people without needing acceptance in return?

   It is not a personality issue, it is a heart issue. An issue of the security of knowing who you are in Christ and your acceptance of His love towards you. We need to be people who give off the right 'vibes', so that other people want what we have!