“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (Galatians 5:16 NIV)
“…. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31b NIV)
As we surrender to God and His Holy Spirit, to let Him work in us and through us, the work done becomes who we are. Whatever God has worked in us is real; it is not a façade. It is His supernatural work which becomes natural overtime; the fruit of His Spirit.
We constantly send out signals, consciously or unconsciously, positive, negative, or neutral signals. How we stand, sit or walk, every look, movement of the head, arms, hands, legs, feet, as well as our words is an expression of our thoughts, emotions, attitudes, and responses, and conveys some sort of message, to those around us. Wherever we are, whomever we are with, we are communicating something.
Is it important?
Well, we can learn to assess how our verbal and non-verbal speech affects others. We all understand the significance of a smile, a frown, a nod or shake of the head, but there are more subtle gestures, which we can learn to skillfully read, and evaluate. We can then better relate and communicate.
We may know that arms folded across the chest makes people appear defensive, somewhat unreceptive, cold, and tense—tension, which may so easily develop into hostility and eventual aggression. Hands on hips, clenched fists, and finger pointing or prolonged, hostile eye contact are just a few signs of mounting aggression.
For God’s Glory
On the other hand, if we want to inspire confidence, openness, and warmth, we should make approving, encouraging eye contact easily, keep the body relaxed in a non-threatening posture, and try not to invade other people’s reserved space. Just by relaxing in the work and movements of the Holy Spirit, we can dispel tension, irritation, and agitation.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ” (Galatians 5:22-23 and 25. NIV)
Prayer: Thank You Holy Father for Your Word, which always informs us about positive and negative conduct. And tells us about the fruit and expression of the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to walk and live by Your Spirit, Lord. As we learn to do this, we can use our non-verbal messages, as well as our words, for Your Glory. In Jesus Loving Name, I praise and thank You. Amen and Amen.
Rosemary Renninson
Westbury, Victoria. Australia.