Not too many years back, Shania Twain, a country singing artist, had written a song that caught her career on fire. ..the song had lyrics in the chorus "that don't im- press me much. " It went on to talk of different guys and the things they prided them- selves on, but Shania was unimpressed by such things as a fancy car, a slick hairdo, and other materialistic ideas. She just wanted someone there, a man who was reliable and trustworthy. Jesus too had things that impressed him, and others that did not.

Jesus was so sincerely let down by his own hometown people that "he could do no miracle there" (Mk 6:6). The faith of the people was nearly non-existent be- cause they "knew" who he was and where he came from. ..and in their mind "he surely wasn't the son of God." And isn't it a telling case of our lack of "faith working through love" (Gal 5:6) when we as God's people are unwilling to credit a man or woman with godliness of life because we " know who they are, and what they've done. " Shame on us if we are unwilling to forget and forgive but continue to hold a prejudice against a child of God. Such a thing is unimpressive to God, yet Jesus was mightily impressed with a centurion. He had so great faith in Jesus that the centurion told Jesus not even to come to his house to heal his servant, but only to say the word and it would be so (Matt 8:10).

Isn't faith something that has always been a measuring line among the Godhead? After all, it was the words of the Father to Jesus at the transfiguration. "This is my beloved Son. with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him" (Matt 17:5). If we would listen to Him in whom the Father is well pleased, wouldn't that put us in accord with the Father? We then will not be on the "waste" side of the measuring line. When you measure to cut lumber you have the stock or the useful part that is kept and the waste. Which side will you be on? Do you impress the Lord by your faith as the Canaanite woman who wished for her daughter to be restored from a demon possession? The woman was willing to submit her pride in faith to the master and say, "Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their master's table." When have you been required of such humility and then have responded by laying yourself out for self-sacrificing service? This is what impresses the Lord. ..as He had said of John the Baptist, "among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater." Why? Because John was faithful and serving. Will Jesus say something of the like to you when you meet Him in the end?

Dustin Bolks