Some friends were discussing acne recently, and while I don’t recall any serious problem with it (thankfully) when I was a teenager, I know many did. There were times, of course, when I would have one and I’d fret and pick it at it, and cover it with make up as much as possible, to hide it.
Other people, however, had severe acne ‘break-outs’ that would cause shame and trauma because they were certain their complexion was the most important thing about them. Any ‘zits’ would destroy their appearance and thus their confidence.
It’s sad because as time has changed and such emphasis is placed on our outward appearance through TV commercials and other advertising, it forces our young ones to believe they are less than acceptable, if there are any physical flaws, even if it's only, their own belief. One friend even commented that her second grade grand daughter was concerned about her weight! And clothes are a huge deal, as well! We have created a generation, that from an early age, wants designer outfits, high end shoes, unique hair styles, jewelry of all descriptions and more.
As one friend put it, we’ve become a “popularity, beauty, physical appearance-based culture.” In a slight way, this isn’t unlike Samuel when he was searching for a King for Israel in 1 Samuel 16. He was in Bethlehem and and was certain when he saw each of Jesse’s sons, he’d surely found the right one.
But God spoke to him and told him in verse 7: "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.” It wasn’t until the last one was called, that Samuel knew he’d found the person the Lord had chosen. He was described as “ruddy” yet with a fine appearance with handsome features, a sheep herder, and young! Not at all what Samuel had expected. He’d found David!
Often we do the same thing. When we go into a room, we gravitate to the prettiest, or handsomest person in the room. It’s where most everyone else is, as well. Usually this attractive person is also well-groomed, wearing nice, form fitting clothes with appealing features and mannerisms. They are center stage with conversations going in all directions. They have personality!
The person who considers themselves a ‘wall-flower’ is laid back, out of sight, with only minimal confidence, hoping no one will notice them, because they don’t believe they can compete with the others holding center stage!
God has given us all a ‘different look’ with different personalities and different gifts. Those who think they are the ‘least’ often has so much to give, sometimes even more than the one being lavished with all kind of compliments.
I wonder; should we perhaps take notice, not of their outward appearance, but at their heart?
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