“You’re so right!”
I let out a hearty laugh and fist pumped my friend. I loved spending time with Jake. We shared so many interests and had similar opinions on a wide variety of topics. When I first met him, I sensed he was a calm and collected man. Listening to him speak to others, I presumed his character must be similar and I decided that I wanted to get to know him better. It was the halo effect in action. Thankfully, my initial impression of him was true and we became friends. It also had the unexpected and pleasant consequence of making me become more like him. The more time I spent with Jake, the calmer and more relaxed I became. Even others noticed it. The halo effect had been transferred to me!
Psychologists and other pundits describe the halo effect as a cognitive bias, whatever we feel about a particular person influences how we think about their character. It originated from early Christian art where Jesus Christs and the saints were portrayed with a golden halo over their heads. The effect created an aura of heavenly light portraying the person as good. In Jake’s case, the halo effect was definitely confirmed. I received a bonus by incorporating some of his positive traits within my own personality.
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)
God acknowledges the effect that others have on us and we may have on others. However, He tweaks our expectations. God intends for others to see our character so that they will clearly see our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our lives need to be transparent so that others will see more of Jesus and less of us. And the more we yield ourselves to Jesus Christ, the more we will become like Him, bathed in His glorious light.
This is the true halo effect!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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