We buy things based on appearance. Cars, homes, jewelry, clothes, all catch our eye based on what they look like. We often use that same rating on people. Fashion magazines have falsely convinced young women that flawless skin, luxurious, flowing hair and clothes from the most expensive stores, make the perfect person. Likewise, men see the same thing on the covers of sports magazines. If you look in the mirror and don’t see those images looking back at you, that image often makes for a bad day. We don’t measure up to what society says is perfect. But wait…
What does God’s word say about all the hoopla that the fashion world throws at us? God does not shower favor on those who dress in the finest of everything and have airbrushed skin. He looks inside. At the soul. The part of you that is the real you.
~Thought For Today~
Life has been a good teacher. We have always desired to be a part of the “in” crowd. Mimic the clothes, the hairstyles, the mannerisms of the popular “folks.” A bit of news. You can dress up the outside all you want. You can spend a fortune “looking beautiful” on the outside. As time goes by, wrinkles appear, skin sags, brown spots pop up, weight rises…What then?
God does not look at the outside. Only people do that. God looks at what stays vibrant, glowing and beautiful! The heart that is full of love for Him. I have no real proof but I have a suspicion that in the “twinkling of an eye” when we change forever, we will go back to a young, vibrant outside that matches that heart that stayed true to God.
I have noticed many times, those who seem to have it all on the outside, don’t feel a need for the things of God, on the inside. Seek to find your inner beauty. The place that God will look. We must be very careful “sizing” up people by their outer appearance. We never know when we come in contact with an angel unawares. Disregarding the feelings and dignity of people based on their outward appearance is not honored by God.
Let’s go out today and look beyond the outside appearance. Look for the glow of inner beauty. Look in the eyes. There is where the “light” of Jesus exits. Look at all with love, not just those with outer beauty. Seek the light.
~Scripture For Today~
1 Samuel 16:7
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” ( NLT)
1 Peter 3:3-4
3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. (NLT)
Hebrews 13:2
2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (NLT)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! We pray for peace within. A place of quiet, calm, inner beauty that a relationship with You brings. We desire to honor You in thought, word and deed. Quick to proclaim and honor You in all that we say and do. We pray that we see others as You do. Their inner beauty, casting the glow of Jesus all around them. Less attention to the outside. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.