A thief we are all aware of has been in contact with me lately known as comparison. I've noticed him a lot lately...from the way I find myself coveting to the average sting of jealousy. I partake in it and see it all the time. Girls see someone with clearer skin, a smaller figure, or blonder hair and are consumed by what they don't have. Flaws become more visible and character traits are nearly invisible. It seems to me that what makes or breaks someone is how full their eyebrows are rather than the compassion in their hearts. The more successful a person appears, the more someone covets their reward.
I know several outgoing and loud people. A lot of times I wish I was like that, honestly. I wish I was loud and not embarrassed easily, however that was not God's plan for me. He planned to make me a delicate person that turns blood red whenever I'm embarrassed. He made me that way with purpose and intent. We see others and notice things or accomplishments we desire because we are human. And as humans we look to human things. But through Jesus we are offered another way, a way that trumps all others ways. We are called to live through our own bodies, personal purpose, and spiritual callings because we are a royal priesthood, a chosen people, a people belonging to God Himself (1 Peter 2:9).
What is beautiful about Jesus is that we do not understand what that means for us, however He does. We don't know how we will be used for good through our "flaws" that we notice so easily. However, God turns what man intended on its head. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart". I don't know about you but that compels me. It gives me a greater drive to accomplish what God has planned for me (great, outstanding plans: Jeremiah 29:11). It makes me want to chase after God more, and gives me a passion. The hype will eventually fade without the lasting faithfulness of Jesus, and reminding myself of this daily is what keeps the hype going.
He doesn't just look beyond our flaws, He uses them and makes them beautiful! Once we realize that we can never wrap our minds around that idea is the day that we are severely humbled. One of my favorite songs is Touch the Sky by Hillsong United. It talks about touching the sky and finding life whenever we are on our knees, humbled before God. It actually just came on shuffle as I'm writing this: a God thing. Such an awesome God He is that He would use what man intended to taint the world to make this place more holy. He wants us to love Him with our bodies and personality traits. He seeks after us and waits for us at the same time. By His hands we are uniquely and wonderfully made, and once we start living like it, the world will flourish under His wing. Jesus, invade our hearts, minds, and eyes to seek after You and what You offer rather than what the world reveals.
