APPEARANCE: God's Image in Us

1 Samuel 16:7



The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (NLT)

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (NIV)


According to my daughter and niece, actually every preteen to teenager, appearance matters. As a child, it does matter. In the military, our appearance in the uniform also matters. However, you have to make sure you're looking at the right things. What I am saying is ... It's not wrong to pay attention to how you look or how you present your work or your organization to others. You must not neglect your spiritual appearance, which is more important. Whoa. Your spiritual appearance. Have you ever considered that into the Christian work in progress theory/life changing process? If not, begin today.

You see, it's very easy to get distracted by appearances, whether your own or someone else's. There certainly is enough of movie, TV, sports, rock stars and such to influence anyone's appearance these days. Right? More importantly, you can have an incredible impact when other people look right past your outward appearance because of what they see on the inside - God Himself shining through you. God promises that the inward condition of your heart is what matters to Him. And to me that has made all the difference.


Quote: ~ Don't judge men's wealth or godliness by their Sunday appearance. ~ Benjamin Franklin


Do you focus more on your outward appearance or on what God sees inside of you?