Everlasting Eyes

The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7

Chaperoning my oldest daughter’s soccer team in Las Vegas this past weekend was an eye opening experience to say the least. Casino lights welcomed us off the airplane, billboards advertising sex lined the streets, cigarette smoke filled our hotel lobby, and skimpy dresses and high heels appeared to be the dress code.

Dressed in informal athletic wear, we stuck out and got more than a few sideways glances. At dinner the first night, I observed how the scene affected our team of seventeen and eighteen-year old high school seniors. 

Many of the girls seemed uncomfortable as they watched young women confidently flaunt cleavage and bare legs. Others, though, seemed at ease, almost envious of the freedom they’d soon have to express their sexuality this way. My heart ached a bit for the fact that this type of sex appeal is the norm in our culture today.

Two thousand years ago, Paul’s heart ached for Jesus followers living in the city of Corinth. They too were surrounded by opposing views. God emphasized the importance of their character, attitudes and hearts, whereas Corinth valued wealth, power, and immoral pleasures. Are we really still trapped by the same things today?

I believe so, which is why we need to submerge ourselves in God’s word daily to remind us of who we are to Him and how we are to see ourselves. 1 Samuel 16:7 states that “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 

When the name of God is capitalized, as it is in the passage above, it reminds us that God is our creator. He knit us together in our mother’s womb and loves us with an everlasting love. We are absolutely beautiful in His eyes because He’s our father who created us. Why is it so hard to see ourselves in this same light?

I believe it’s because we’re bombarded with lies our culture places upon us. Lies such as:

• You’ll be more beautiful if you’re skinnier.
• You’ll be more important if you’re wealthier.
• You’ll be more lovable if you’re prettier. 

God absolutely opposes these lies. All sizes are beautiful to Him, no one takes their bank accounts to heaven, and His love is unconditional. Today, give thanks to God that He is your creator, provider, and is constantly calling you to become more like Jesus. Your confidence in this culture will blossom as you look to God for love and approval not others in this crazy culture. 

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank you for being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement