Ever heard someone being described as beautiful? Usually when we do, we don’t just stop there. We then go on to qualify the depth of such beauty – that it goes beyond what we see (more than skin-deep).
I was thinking along these lines when the Holy Spirit impressed it on my heart that as Christians, this is exactly how we ought to be described: beautiful in and out.
It’s actually an inner beauty that radiates outwards to ensure that our outward beauty is attractive and not repulsive to those around us. I’m quite sure we’ve all come across physically good-looking people who we just discover that we can’t ‘stand’ being around them!
A true worshipper is one who has discovered this truth. His/her life is more about the inward man. “So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside where God is making a new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace”-2Cor.4:16 (MSG).
I’ve discovered that our lives aren’t about ourselves, they’re all about Him (God) and on a daily basis we need to constantly realise and recognize this fact as the ‘Worship’ that God needs and craves.”Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created”- Rev.4:11 (KJV).
Pleasing Him means we bear the fruits of the Spirit: “But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard – things like:
– Affection for others,
– Exuberance about life,
– Serenity
– We develop a willingness to stick with things,
– A sense of compassion in the heart,
– A conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people,
– We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments,
– Not needing to force our way in life,
– Able to marshal and direct our energies wisely”-Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG).
I’ve learnt that this is what pleases God and as long as I’m pleasing Him, I’m giving Him true worship that comes from deep within. I’m telling Him that my whole life’s journey is about bringing and giving Him pleasure.
There’s a deep-seated craving in man for approval and validation both from God and from fellow men. The person God approves of is the one who pleases Him. The direct fallout of pleasing God is an automatic approval and validation before men: “When God approves if your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand!” – Prov.16:7 (MSG).
Also notice that when your life pleases God, not only does your life give Him worship, you make others around you to also give Him worship…….isn’t that something?! – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and GLORIFY your Father which is in heaven” – Matt.5:16 (KJV).
“My life is not about me, it’s about God!” Make this your daily mantra and discover a whole new way of life where you can truly be beautiful (or handsome!) both inside and out.
~ Bunmi Priceless