The Face of Disapproval
Matthew 17:17 Jesus answered, “You people today have no faith. Your lives are so wrong! How long must I stay with you? How long must I continue to be patient with you? Bring the boy here.”
We tend not to think too much about the expressions that we allow to appear on our faces. If something pleases us, we smile. If something annoys us, we scowl. Instinctively … without thinking.
It’s amazing what looks can convey. And it’s amazing how quickly and easily we find it to give a look of disapproval.
I remember, when I was training to be an officer in the Army, there was a drill sergeant whose glare could make you wilt. He could instantly deploy the 53 muscles in his head, face and neck to create a scowl that could have you shaking in your boots.
The fact that I can remember that drill sergeant’s face after more than forty years is testament to the impact that a look of disapproval can have.
So just stop and think. When someone falls short of your expectations, is it really worth that look of disapproval, given the damage it can do? Now to be sure, there is a place for that look. Jesus used it on occasion:
Matthew 17:17 Jesus answered, “You people today have no faith. Your lives are so wrong! How long must I stay with you? How long must I continue to be patient with you? Bring the boy here.”
You can just imagine the look of disapproval that went along with those words. And you can imagine too, the impact that it had on the disciples. Why did He use it? Because He was making a point. There was a lesson about faith that He wanted them to learn and never forget.
But for Jesus, disapproval was the exception rather than the rule. He used it sparingly and wisely. So the next time you want to show disapproval, ask yourself; is this the right time? Is it worth it?
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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