Tag Archives: quick impressions

day 3K130: Quick Impressions

“Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”

We know the importance of first impressions, but do we know how fast someone comes to their conclusion about us?  Think 5 minutes? Maybe 3 minutes? Well, according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania using data from dating sites, we come to our take on another person in three seconds!  That seems awfully fast but I can see that as well.  After all my years of interviewing I had to fight away the quick impression so that in an interview I didn’t fall prey to only going with my gut.  But, my gut was right a lot of the time, or so I thought.  I wonder now how many great people I missed because I judged the book by its’ cover too quickly.  The same thing happens in Sales or Marketing. That quick impression can make all the difference.

We know from scripture that people came from all over to get a glimpse or hear the voice of Jesus.  But, we also know that it wasn’t everyone whose quick impression of Him took hold.  I wonder now what might have gone through the head of the non-believers, especially as He performed miracles right in front of their eyes.  Or maybe, I shouldn’t wonder because even today Jesus is doing amazing and miraculous things in our lives and the lives of others and still many turn their back. It’s why we always as God’s glory standard-bearers must be cognizant of the quick impressions that we leave on people.  They are looking for good, truth, love and grace from us so that we reflect Jesus.  If our quick impressions are the opposite of that, then they are formulating their impression based on us.  Yes, our quick impressions matter.

Reference:  Luke 5:20 (New Living Translation)