When President Thomas Jefferson was traveling with companions across the country on horseback in the early 1800s, he approached a large river that needed to be carefully crossed. A stranger appeared and wondered how he was going to get across. He looked at the President and asked if he could get a ride across the river. Thomas Jefferson said, “Sure, hop on!” As the stranger slid off the horse on the other side, one of the companions questioned why he asked the President for a ride. The stranger replied, “I didn’t know he was the President. All I know is that his face said yes, and all your faces said no!”
For some of us, our face has said no many times. Our face has already spoken before we even open our mouths. A friend of mine always says that too many Christians were baptized in lemon juice. They have a scowl on their face and pursed lips. Everything about them says no – their attitude, countenance, demeanor, posture, and facial expressions.
“I never forget a face, but in your case, I’ll be glad to make an exception.”
– Groucho Marx
Do More Christians have a No Face Instead of a Yes Face?
Unfortunately, many coaches, athletes, teachers, neighbors, bosses, friends, and church members that I knew wore the No-Face. They didn’t know they were coming across that way, and I don’t think they wanted to wear the No-Face. Thankfully, I had some amazing people in my life who would win the gold medal in the Yes Face competition. My high school football coach, my fifth grade English teacher, my college equipment manager, and my mom are just a few gold medal winners.
Truth is, our fellow teammates and the world watch our non-verbal communication. They know what we are saying without us saying a word. We are being evaluated during our conversations and interactions with others. People watch followers of Christ from a distance and want to know if they can trust us enough to get on the horse and get a ride across the river.
10 Defining Characteristics of a Yes Face
What does a Yes Face say – without even saying a word? A Yes Face is:
- Positive
- Trusting
- Confident
- Refreshing
- Smiling
- Available
- Approachable
- Inviting
- Gentle
- Forgiving
A Yes Face is simply the outward expression of an inward experience. As followers of Christ, the inward experience is the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The fruit of the Spirit is the cord that connects our hearts with our faces. Our countenance should exude our confidence in Christ. A Yes Face has a Spirit-filled heart. A Yes-Face has a godly heart.
“Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart.” – Proverbs 27:19
Is your face screaming no and people can’t hear your heart? What does your face say about you? If you need a face change, start with the heart, and ask God to fill you with the fruit of the Spirit. He loves transforming hearts. Your face will follow your heart.
Let’s see those Yes Faces! Start with the heart. Think about it.
So, What’s The Play Call?
- How can a locker room full of No-Faces impact the team dynamic? How about Yes-Faces?
- Who in your life would win a Yes Face gold medal?
- What is your face saying? What would your teammates say?
- How is God changing your heart so your teammates and others can see it on your face?
