Created in His Image: Looking Good
READY:
“…the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7b
SET:
“Wow, look at those fancy running shoes – you must be a great runner!” said no serious athlete.
Of course, it is a blessing to have good running shoes, that fit our feet, provide support and prevent injuries.
Most competitive runners now use advanced footwear, that incorporate the latest shoe technologies, that seem to give an edge.
But of course, we would not judge how well a person runs by their shoes!
We could wear the best shoes and not be able to run at all.
Some of the best runners in history have run barefoot, especially long-distance athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia, who have dominated global competitions.
Likewise, we cannot judge how someone is running spiritually by their outward appearance.
Not by their church attendance?
Not even by positions they may hold in Christian organizations?
This is what Jesus said about the religious leaders of His day:
“you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.”
Matthew 23:27-28 NIV
Actually, we cannot judge how someone is running spiritually at all, because we cannot see someone’s heart.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“…it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself… It is the Lord who judges me.”
1 Corinthians 4:3-4 ESV
And Jesus warns us against trying to be seen as righteous by others.
He preached,
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1 ESV
How does God judge us?
What is good spiritual running?
Isaiah 66:2b tells us,
“…this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”
Isaiah 66:2b (ESV)
I once thought I was a good person.
I have since realized I am filled with pride and self-righteousness.
I truly love the Lord and others very little.
The only way to run this race is to repent and put my faith in Jesus rather than myself.
The only way to look good to God is to clothe ourselves with Christ!
Let Him become greater in our lives.
GO:
- Are there ways in which you are focused on the outward appearance of godliness? Maybe you worry about how other Christians see you? Maybe you judge others by legalistic measures?
- Are you practicing repentance and faith? Is Jesus becoming more beautiful and precious to you?
Additional verses: Galatians 3:1-7, Luke 18:9-14
0 Comments