A few weeks ago, the Oscars were on television. Celebrities donned some of the most extravagant gowns and tuxedos, cameras were flashing, and everyone was intrigued about the intricate details of each outfit.
One certain celebrity strolled down the carpet in a custom pink Christian Siriano dress carrying a small spherical purse. She was a 10 year actress named Julia Butters. The purse, bejeweled with crystals, valued at $2,500! At some point during Julia’s red carpet walk she was asked about her purse. With the mischievous smile of a Cheshire cat she revealed the purse’s only contents - a homemade turkey sandwich in a zip lock bag. When asked about her sandwich she explained that the food at the last show was bad and she didn’t want to be sitting there hungry again.
I believe this is a great story about value and perception.
How many times have you heard the cliché, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”?
Yet, in this social media driven, see and be seen, FOMO society we place a lot of effort into how we look. We crave looks. In fact, the average person has at least 3 social media apps on their phone. And, the more often we post, the more likes we receive. The more likes we receive, the better off we are. Supposedly…
For a few moments, I want to challenge perception and value.
1. Is there anything wrong with looking good or liking someone just because they look good?
2. What is the balance of working on how we look and working on How God sees us?
1 Samuel 16:6-12 gives a glance into the formative years of a future king.
This passage comes from a familiar story about a young shepherd who would later kill a giant.
The prophet, Samuel was sent by God to the house of a man named Jesse who lived in Bethlehem. God told Samuel that the next king would come from Jesse’s house. Of course, when Samuel arrives He is sure that there the first boy he sees would be God’s elect.
But, here was the thing – Jesse had 8 sons.
The first young man presented looked like a king – he was tall and handsome. But not God’s choice.
1 Samuel 16:7 says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
#1 – Open your eyes!
The same people who are candy to our eyes can be poison to our hearts. Study the ingredients before feeding them to your soul.
The Bible doesn’t indicate that Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son, was a bad person – just not the right person. Samuel ultimately goes through 7 brothers without a selection. The interesting thing about each brother is that they all looked good. I know a lot of people who love milkshakes. My grandfather used to consume a home made milkshake or root beer float nearly every night before bed. How many of you agree that milk shakes are good? Well, I have a dairy allergy so milkshakes are the worst thing ever to me. Now, just because it isn’t good to me – does that make them bad? An old TV ad for classic music used to say, “It looks good on you.” Recognize that there are things that look good but aren't good for you. We must be aware enough to not only see things for their physical beauty but challenge ourselves enough to put a God type mirror to it to see if we can see God in them. We must open our physical eyes as well as our spiritual eyes.
#2 – It is not Either/Or – It is Both/And
1 Samuel 16 :11
11 Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” “Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”
How interesting is it that when Jesse references his baby boy he doesn’t mention his name. He is simply rereferred to as, “the youngest”.
Eric Thomas once said, “Grind so hard you no longer have to introduce yourself.” I like to say that people will recognize a star’s brightness before they learn the star’s name.
It was in the field that David developed his handsome stature
It was in the field that David learned to fight
It was in the field that David tuned his singing voice
It was in the field that David learned the voice of the Lord and Gained His confidence
David was handsome without doubt. I think there is nothing wrong with working on how you look. It feels great to get nice things and wear them. I love the feeling of a new pair of shoes.
But my clothes don’t make me look good – I make my clothes look good.
David was more than his physical appearance, his time away helped him grow physically and spiritually. Scripture says that your heart is in the same place as your treasure/money. If you were to do a time analysis – how balanced is your time and effort. Where do you INVEST the most?
Finally, Samuel tells Jesse we can’t eat until the youngest son arrives.
I need you to realize that God has chosen you for a specifc time and place. Don’t get distracted by other people’s likes, instgram stories, or apeearances. That is good for where God wants them to be – there is a group of people waiting on you so they can eat!
I had a professor tell me, “How you look will get you the interview – what you have to say will get you Job.”
We work to attain so much. We are major consumers and somewhat hoarders. Be a good consumer and in your efforts to get things remember proverbs 4:5-9
Proverbs 4:5-9
Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”
Instesd of just looking good – Have something good to say – be a good person – and serve a GREAT GOD!
