What do the following things have in common: new clothes,
pens, and a calculator? They all point to a new school year, right?! I remember
the excitement of going back to school. I have to admit that shopping for clothes
was my personal favorite. Searching for the perfect pair of shoes was right up
there, too. With each new year, I was determined to look my best, and yes, even
to try my hardest.
As I look back on the years spent in school and college, I
was interested in portraying the right image. Can anyone identify? I wanted to
fit in and be accepted by my peers. Hours were spent making sure hair and
make-up were just so. I put a premium on my outward appearance, not realizing
the importance of what was on the inside.
The words of 1 Samuel put things in proper perspective,
"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the
height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as
man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on
the heart," (1 Samuel 16:7; KJV). God knows that what's really important is
what's on the inside. He's quick to reveal the heart that's pleasing to Him,
"...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the
second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,"
(Matthew 22:37-39).
A true friend demonstrates care and concern, is a good
listener and provides encouragement when it's needed. A friend is honest -
sharing the truth in love, even when it's not popular. These characteristics are evident in the
person who has true beauty - a beauty that is more than skin deep. When I
realize it's not about me, but it's all about the Lord and loving others His
way, I'm on the right track. Instead of trying to FIND the right friend, my job
is to concentrate on cultivating the characteristics that allow me to BE a good
friend!
A new school year, or even another day at the office, is the
perfect opportunity to focus on the needs of others. Let God's Word guide you,
"A friend loveth at all times..." (Proverbs 17:17). And you'll be sure to point them to an
all-sufficient Savior!
Do you tend to focus
on outward appearance rather than what's on the inside? How can you be a better
friend?
Prayer: Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding me that what's inside matters most. Help me to develop
the characteristics of a true friend, and point others to You. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!
God has been working on my character lately. I've always been a good listener, but I could always be a better friend. Great post, Maria.
ReplyDeleteHi Loree! I know what you mean! It's easy to think about what I look for in a friend, but I have to remember to have those same qualities as a friend to others. Thanks for being a sweet blogging friend! Hugs & God bless!
DeleteCharacter will last, beauty won't :) Great post Maria.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to have you stop by, Marja! Your comment reminds me of the wisdom in Proverbs, "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Have a blessed week, my friend! :)
DeleteIt's funny. I focus on my outward appearance at times for sure, it's a struggle as a woman I think, and I'm much better than when I was younger. But I never look to others' outward appearances as a measuring stick of who they are. You'd think I'd apply the same to me:) Working on it, daily:)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Maria.
This is such a hard concept to drill into children. They think they must be the best dressed and prettiest or best looking kid in school. Once they learn the truth, that's when they truly become beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank yo for this post. I'm asking my teenaged daughter to come and read this!
Hi great readiing your post
ReplyDelete