Stepping Stones: If Only I Were...

Transformational Tip
So much energy goes into worrying about, and trying to improve, how we look…our outward appearance. For many, this obsession with looks starts at a young age. It’s clear, for many people, they believe their looks define who they are. Nothing could be further from the truth. Remember back to high school…some of the most physically beautiful people were struggling deeply inside. I’ve missed out on so many potentially great friendships just because I used external appearance as a screening criteria before I would decide whether to get to know someone.
God does not look at our outward appearance; rather He looks at our heart. What is important to Him is also what should be important to us. Now, sometimes our external appearance, those certain aspects that are under our control, are a reflection of some issues going on in our heart. But the focus still needs to be on healing our heart issue…not the external appearance. Truly addressing your heart issues will positively affect the superficial issues that you have control of.
Today, try focusing on the condition of your heart. Stop obsessing about your face, weight, shape or clothes. Also, instead of judging people by their appearance, try seeing their heart…who they really are. You’ll be amazed at the depth of friendship when you look deeper. Click here and share what external attribute you focus too much on and why…or other thoughts on “don’t judge a book by the cover”.

Prayer
Dear Father God,
I confess that I have been overly concerned about my physical appearance. I am guilty of coveting the physical beauty of others. Help me remember Father that it is my heart that You see. Help me focus on keeping a healthy body, mind and spirit. I turn to You my Lord for all my needs. Help me to resist the desire to look good and blend in with…or even compete with this world. I ask You Father to help me to start looking into the hearts of those around me, to not focus on their clothes and bodies. Help me compliment their kindness instead of their appearance.
I pray in the name of my perfect savior, Jesus Chris, and all God’s children said- AMEN!

The Truth
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
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.
2 Corinthians 5:11-12