How are you sizing others up these days?

We’re always sizing others up, and others are doing the same of us.  We do make a first impression.  Sometimes we make a lasting impression, for good or for ill.

I was talking with a friend yesterday about sizing up people first and foremost in light of Paul’s challenge in Philippians 4:8. 

Philippians 4:8

New International Version (NIV)
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

The challenge is obvious:  Work hard to control your thinking!  

So before I get on my high horse and start thinking about what I don’t like about this or that person, I just need to stop — right in my tracks.  I need to take a big breathe and say, “Now just hold your horse, Don.  Before you start judging this guy for what he did wrong, and perhaps telling people what you don’t like about him, just hold your tongue.”  Instead, ask yourself if there is anything true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling or gracious about the old boy you’re about to judge?

The constant challenge, in the inimitable translation of Eugene Peterson in The Message is to consider the best, not the worse; the beautiful, not the ugly, things to praise, not things to curse. 

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