For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
~ Ephesians 2:10
How often do you look at yourself in the mirror and think, 'yuck!'? You don't
like your hair, the color of your eyes, your nose is too big, your teeth look
funny - oh, and look! Is that a wrinkle????
It's so easy in our culture to focus on our looks, and to think that our worth
is based on how well we match up with the 'ideals' we see on TV or in
magazines. The 'perfect' man or woman is presented to us every day, larger
than life, in living color. And honestly, how many of us really measure up to
those standards? Not many :) As a matter of fact, I don't personally know
anyone who looks like the people I see in movies, on TV or in magazines. The
truth is, that isn't reality - it's makeup and good lighting, with some
computer enhancement thrown in.
This becomes a problem when we place a value on a person according to how well
they meet society's standards of 'perfection'. Do they look like one of the
characters on Friends? If so, they must be a worthwhile person. If that
person sitting next to you on the bus looks like a bum, then they must not be
a good person. Why waste your time on them? Do they dress in funny clothes?
Is their hair stylish? How about their makeup? Our values have been poorly
influenced by the media. And we don't realize how much we hurt someone when
we judge them by such superficial standards.
So the next time you're sitting next to someone who seems unworthy by
society's standards, reach out to them. Show them some kindness and
friendship, and you might be surprised. They were created by God - they are
His workmanship, and are of great value. Just as you, with all your
imperfections, are His creation as well. And by reaching out to that person,
you let the light of God shine brighter in this dark world we live in.
Lord, help me to remember that every person I meet is Your creation and is
worthy in Your sight. Fill me with Your love and compassion, allow me to see
the world around me through Your eyes, and to reach out with Your hands. Let
Your light shine through me so that this lost and dying world might be touched
by You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
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