From Charlie Gray

Let’s take a moment to consider signage. My friend just listed his home for sale. He had asked my opinion on a few items and I was happy to offer anything that might help. Once the realtor was chosen and the listing agreement was executed, a sign was placed in his front yard. This is when I became concerned. Nowhere on the sign were the actual words "For Sale". The only information on the sign was the agent’s name, his real estate company name, website and phone number.

Call me traditional or old fashioned but I strongly suggest that it be known, without a doubt, that in fact the home was "For Sale". I shared my concern with my friend and found he had already had a conversation regarding the dilemma with the agent. My friend is also old fashioned like me. That is why we are friends. At this point I will go no further because the home was shown on the first day and sold for full asking price. What the heck do I know ?????? I do wonder if they will put "SOLD" on the sign. Probably not.

This whole exercise got me thinking about how we as people display our own personal signage. There are a bounty of ways to outwardly express our internal feelings and motives. When we are in person to person contact with others, the first place to look is at our faces. Are we smiling ? Or, as my grandfather would say: "Is your forehead in a knot"? Just for perspective, a knotted forehead is not good. An outwardly knotted forehead is clearly a sign that things are not good on the inside. Proceed with extreme caution when you encounter a knotted forehead.

As followers of Jesus we must be attentive to our personal signage. Proverbs 15:13 is clear, "A glad heart makes a cheerful face". This suggests that inner joy can manifest outwardly as a cheerful countenance. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven". This implies that your joyful life, including outward expressions, can serve as a testament to your faith and bring glory to God.

Our Bible prioritizes inner transformation but also acknowledges outward expressions of happiness. Check your signage and unknot your forehead. Have a great week smiling !!!!