“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 ESV
Fingerprints are peculiar things—peculiar and unique. Until recently, the consensus has been that each finger on a person’s hands had a distinctly unique fingerprint. Recent scientific studies aided by technology innovations* indicate that although an individual’s ten fingerprints appear distinct, each print seems to contain an identifiable pattern that says, “These prints all belong to the fingers of one individual.”
While still early in research and testing, this discovery carries great potential for improved identity verification accuracy that will impact numerous business and technology solutions, as well as, law enforcement and forensic science.
The bottom line is that our fingerprints identify us.
Fingerprints come in all shapes and sizes. Fingerprints are easy to spot when the imprint has been made with ink, strawberry jam, chocolate ice cream, or some other sticky, colored substance. We can easily wipe away those fingerprints with a spray of Windex, a squirt of Dawn, a squeeze of SoftScrub, and a little bit of elbow grease.
But the invisible fingerprints – the ones we cannot see – have the deepest and longest-lasting impact. Invisible fingerprints don’t wipe away easily.
Whether the fingerprint comes from a loving caress, a kind pat, an encouraging hug, a careless jab, a hateful emotional slap, or a harsh mental shove, a print is left behind.
For good or for bad, an unerasable print remains. That fingerprint is an enduring reminder to the person carrying your print that they have encountered you. You don’t have to know someone to make a lasting impression in that person’s life and mind.
Luke 6:45 ESV – The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Stop for a moment and think about encounters you have had that occasionally rise to the surface of your consciousness, bringing encouragement, embarrassment, anger, sorrow, or laughter. It may have been a long-ago encounter, but the fingerprint lives on.
Knowing this should make us especially aware and sensitive to every person we meet. As Christ-followers, every interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate what a Spirit-filled life looks like. If you are walking in the Spirit, you can be sure that the fingerprints you leave will honor God and encourage the recipient.
“The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom….The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable.” Proverbs 10:31, 32 ESV
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12 NIV
So I must ask myself, and I encourage you to do the same: Are my fingerprints sweet reminders of grace-filled words and loving encouragement that create cherished memories? Or does my stinging touch leave ugly sticky prints that are impossible to wipe away and leave hurtful, painful memories?
In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul encouraged believers to guard their lips and hearts in all conversations (Eph. 4:29). Paul knew that spoken words and heart attitudes are potent tools that create long-lasting impressions – fingerprints, if you will – on those receiving the words and attitudes behind the words.
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV
*Sciencealert.com/groundbreaking-study-reveals-your-fingerprints-arent-as-unique-as-we-thought
Fingerprints (#1) written 11/14/2023