What's Inside Matters Most

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!

Poured Out

The lesson was challenging. Only two verses, but packed with meaning. The general gist? As believers, we're all created to share what the Lord has given us with those around us. Some of us have the gift of compassion, others the gift of encouragement. But if we're not careful, it's easy to allow 'junk' to compete for space within us. The more we empty ourselves of the useless, the more the Lord is able to fill us with the useful.

 

The analogy in the scripture spoke of vessels made of different substances: gold, silver, wood, earth. But the emphasis is not on the exterior of these containers. It's on the interior. Some of them are honorable vessels, but some are dishonorable. What makes the difference? Purging the 'junk' on the inside and allowing the Master to fill the vessel with good stuff that can be poured out on others.

I'm reminded of a lady who definitely lived up to the definition of an honorable vessel - Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. Remember her? Not much is written about her, but she clearly made a difference in the lives of the early believers in the book of Acts.

Tabitha lived in Joppa and is introduced as a disciple. She was one who followed Christ. And she was well-known in her community, "...this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did," (Acts 9:36b; KJV). Unfortunately, she became sick and died.

Her life had such an impact on the other disciples, that two men were sent to the Apostle Peter to come at once. Peter didn't delay. When he arrived, the sight that greeted him gave Peter a small taste of the way Tabitha had been used by the Lord. A group of widows stood by him weeping and showing him the coats and clothes that Tabitha had made them while she was alive.

It may not have seemed like much, but Tabitha used the abilities God had given her and poured them out on others. She knew these widows were unable to care for themselves, and willingly gave of herself to meet their needs. She was an honorable vessel.

Peter knelt and prayed. With the words, "Tabitha, arise," she opened her eyes and sat up. A miracle! She had been raised from the dead! Imagine the widows' response when Peter presented Tabitha to them alive.

Tabitha had developed the habit of pouring out the gifts the Lord had given her. And when word spread that she had been raised from the dead, many people believed in the Lord. An honorable vessel. Willing to be emptied of self, and filled with the good things of the Lord. Willing to pour those good things out on the lives of others.

Are you willing to be an honorable vessel? Are there things that need to be purged from your life? What step will you take today to be poured out on the lives of others?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the challenges found in Your Word. Help me to purge myself of the things that are displeasing to You. Fill me with the things You want me to pour out on others. In Jesus' name, Amen.