The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
I’ve never been one to worry much about what I wear. I could easily wear a uniform to work and in fact, kind of do. A pair of dark colored pants with some tiny stripe of white or blue, a sweater or a tailored shirt in black or pastels. The same earrings, necklace, rings and bracelets. I have three pairs of the same flat shoes in brown, black and blue. That said, while I don’t care what people think of my appearance, I do care what they think of me so go to great lengths to do and say the right thing and project the right image. When our church began making plans for an Easter pageant and requested two people to serve as narrators, I decided to volunteer. I have been told that I have a pleasant speaking voice and I don’t mind speaking before crowds. The script is not complicated. The actors only pantomime while the narrators carry the story. The words are clear with concise sentences that flow well. After only one read through, my fellow narrator and I had our parts down pat. It turns out the complicated part was finding something to wear. I didn’t even think about the need for a shopping trip when I volunteered to read. The director wanted us to wear black and formal attire. The man who is my partner had it made. A tuxedo supplied by the church. No sweat. I, however, had a problem. I am what used to be called, “Stout.” Not only do they not make pretty formal wear for 50 something stout women, but it is spring and the selection of black was not large. After a couple of shopping trips, I found a sheer black overshirt with strands of silver running through it and a pair of wide leg pants almost like a long shirt also dotted with silver. I thought the combination would look pretty in the spotlights. Then, I had to buy make up. It has been years since I wore any. The choices were so overwhelming, it took me three trips to the store before I could decide what to get. Tonight was dress rehearsal. I put on my make up, pulled on my new sparkly clothes, adorned myself in my black pearls and went to church. And forgot my script! I used an old one, but it wasn’t the one I was accustomed to with my notes so I made a couple of mistakes. So often, I focus on how I appear and how I can please others and forget what is really important. God looks on our hearts, not our sparkly exterior, no matter how scrubbed up and pretty we make ourselves. As we go into the Easter weekend, take some time to set aside those new Easter clothes, the baskets and the candy and think about the real meaning of the season. Take some time to prepare your heart. Only then, will God be truly satisfied with you.
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