You’re a nice person, right? You get along with folks, don’t you?
We all like to think we’re good people. I’ve always felt that I am the kind of person I would like to know. But since we can’t read the minds of others, we’re never really sure, are we?
If I were to ask your friends and acquaintances to describe you, what words do you think they would use?
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We don’t need to spend an inordinate amount of time worrying about what other people think of us — it’s God’s opinion that matters. But observing how others respond to our company might offer a clue as to how well you are fulfilling the mission of Colossians 4:6: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Pass or fail?
Recently I heard about something called “the nice test.” It’s quick and takes very little effort. Here’s how it works. Find someone who knows you fairly well — someone you see every day, or at least often. It could be your spouse, your child, your parent, a relative or a familiar friend. Next time you see them, make it a point to say something sweet and complimentary. Maybe her hair looks great today. Maybe you think that sweater he’s wearing is really sharp. Maybe you were impressed at how well she did her homework last night and you think she is so smart. Maybe you tell your friend how proud they should be of the fine son they are raising. Whatever the case, just make it positive.
Then observe this person’s reaction. If they seem surprised, or even a bit suspicious of your praise, it could mean they are not accustomed to your pleasantness. They haven’t come to expect it from you. You failed the nice test.
However, if they smile and take it in stride, it probably means they regard you as someone from whom uplifting, encouraging words are common, because you are a pleasant influence to be around. You pass the nice test.
You may want to do a little self evaluation prior to taking this test. Personally, I may wait a bit and work on my behavior before I try it. I suspect God may show me I am not quite as nice as I think I am.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Ken Lass is a retired Birmingham television news and sports anchor and an award-winning columnist for numerous publications and websites.
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