There is no doubt that the finest, best tasting food in the state of Texas is barbecue brisket. With all the methods of marinating and smoking the meat, blending with the sauces that have a taste of their own, served with potato salad and beans – well, you just can’t get any better than that!
Just to mention Salt Lick, Elgin, Lockhart or Luling makes many a mouth water in anticipation. Of course, we all know that merely putting “barbecue” on the sign out front doesn’t necessarily mean it will be good. There are barbecue joints all over the place in this part of Texas, but the only way to know if it is good is to try it; you have to taste it.
When we first moved to Drippin’, we often drove by one of those places and the sign was appealing. An attractive building, very convenient – but there was a big problem. One day we stopped and bought a pound of beef to go and ate it that very day. It was a big disappointment. The flavor was bland at best, and the meat itself was tough. We never went back to that place. We drove right by it two or three times a week for years, but we never stopped again. Fair or not, our “first impression” was also our “last impression” – and a very lasting impression.
Most business establishments work very hard to please every customer. The personnel, the merchandise, the displays – all can make a good impression on the customers. The owners probably train their employees to do this:
“...treat them right so they
will want to come back.”
An individual’s first impression can make a difference in how he feels about himself and his place. Even then, first impressions are often our lasting impression.
Years ago, the CEO of a large retailer wrote the following and gave a copy to every employee:
“An institution may spread itself over the entire world and may employ a hundred thousand people, but the average person will usually form his judgment of that institution through contact with just one individual. If that one person is rude or inefficient, it will take a lot of kindness and efficiency to overcome that bad impression. Every member of an organization who, in any capacity, comes in contact with the public is a salesman, and the impression he makes is an advertisement, whether good or bad.”
Yes, good businesses take these things seriously, and it makes good sense for them to do so. The very livelihood of each partner in that institution depends upon it.
The very same principle applies to the church as well. Our new building is seen by hundreds of people every day. The building itself is certainly attractive, and leaves a positive impression. Several in the community have told us that they first visited with us because of the building, and that is easy for us to understand. Some are curious to the extent that they have come and visited during our times of worship and study. At that point they are likely to discover if their first impression was accurate or not.
The first ones to greet them will, by their attitude and by their words, reveal to them how we feel about each other and about visitors. The first teacher or preacher they hear will show, again by their words and their demeanor, what we believe and why we are willing to embrace, defend, and respect those beliefs.
Many of us will be observed at other times during the week, and those observations will let the community know if we “really do believe what that preacher says” on Sunday morning. That is a very important thing for us to remember all during the week as well. First impressions are very often lasting impressions.
Many people are longing to be part of a group of Christians who are friendly, helpful, loving and are good companions for them and for their family.
We have that right here in Dripping Springs, in this church! When we meet our visitors we just may be the most important person in their life at that point. Therefore, we must leave a true, positive impression upon our visitors, the kind of impression with which Jesus Himself will be pleased. Any other kind may turn them away from hearing God’s truth and could leave a mark on our life as well.
I guess I ought to give that place another chance, but I hear they went out of business. Hmmm… too bad.
