Outward vs Inward
We live in a society where more emphasis is placed on looks and material things. The various social media platforms display what is most important throughout the society we live in today.
The downside in primarily focusing more on the outward appearance as well as material things is that it leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled. Which is why many people have to continue to delve into those things more and more searching for fulfillment, which never happens. We will never look good enough, or feel good enough when we search for fulfillment from worldly things. There will always be a void that we will be constantly trying to fulfill. Additionally, looks change and material things ware and fade.
Allowing our inner man to shine for the glory of God changes us as well as those around us. There is only one thing that remains steadfast and never changes and that is the Lord. His grace, mercy, peace and more is never changing. Only the power of God can fill the void, satisfy our soul, and empower us.
Suggested Scripture Reading:
1 Samuel 16:17 But the Lord said unto Samuel, “Look not on his countenance or on the height of his stature, because I have refused him; for the Lord seeth not as man seeth. For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
1 Peter 3: 3-4 Your adornment must not be merely external—with interweaving and elaborate knotting of the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or [being superficially preoccupied with] dressing in expensive clothes; 4 but let it be [the inner beauty of] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, [one that is calm and self-controlled, not overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature] which is very precious in the sight of God.
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Luke 12: 22-23 Jesus said to His disciples, “For this reason I tell you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; or about your body, as to what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
Matthew 6: 19-21 Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.