A lot of bad things happen because of our emphasis on appearance. A lot of bullying happens simply because a group of kids don't like the appearance of another kid. People make bad decisions based on the appearance of a situation. We choose our places of worship by the appearance of a church. We should be wise in these matters but still we make the decision to live on the surface of things. Don't make the mistake of thinking that this is how Father operates.
With Father it is always a matter of the heart. He sees beyond all facades, false pretenses and downright lies. Motivation matters to him, as does love. He is willing to cover our errors and imperfections when our intentions come from a heart of sincere love for him and our actions develop from this root. Ability does not matter as much as desire. This we see clearly in Yahweh's choosing of David as king.When Samuel thought David's eldest brother was a clear choice, Yahweh told him:
“Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
For sure we want our appearance to match our heart but we have to start with the heart before the appearance. The only way to see the continuing transformation of our heart is to develop a continuing fellowship with the Holy Spirit. There are no short cuts, easy fixes, or super formulas. Walk with Jesus every day and our heart will take on his appearance. It is a relational thing.
Our greatest need is connection, to be known, to be seen. But most of us are not brave enough. We have too much to hide. Too much shame. Too much fear. But we have a Father who does see us. He knows us completely. Even our shame. And he chose to love us. He is faithful to it. He wants you to know it's safe to love him back. He forgives you. He completes you. He fills you with joy and wonder. He has given you purpose. That purpose is love. Here are a few scraps of thought so you can "see" me.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Appearances Can Truly Be Deceiving
Labels:
1 Samuel 16,
appearances,
Christ,
Father,
God,
heart,
Jesus,
Lord,
motivations,
Son,
Spirit,
Yahweh
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