2 Corinthians 5:12

"For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart."
2 Corinthians 5:12


This is fascinating, seriously... isn't it amazing how things that we run into every day of our lives are addressed in the scriptures?  I mean, that *is* what they are here for, but it still surprises me for some reason... :)  So, this... glorying in appearance and not in heart.  What a topic, and what a problem.  I remember reading a study when I was a Psych major about teacher's expectations and student performance... The teachers, overall, expected the nicer-looking students to do better in class... and students are affected greatly by teacher expectations.  It's a scary scary thing.  One scripture that talks about Christ says "there was no beauty that we should desire him."  But we all know that Christ is the most beautiful character in literature and in the universe... so where was beauty lacking?  In physical appearance?  and if so... so what?  Why are we so obsessed with that... not only judging others by appearance, but ourselves.  We have a "bad hair day" or a bad face day... and we freak out about how others will see us.  I took a management class last year, and one of the first things that we talked about was dressing for success... how we might not like it, but people do judge us by our appearance.  So, my question is... if we don't like it, then why do we perpetuate it?  People are beautiful on the inside, in the heart, in the soul... and if not there, then no amount of stunning physical beauty can make up for it.  We worry so much about things that don't matter... things that are so temporary.  We even allow ourselves to be biased against older people because we see them as ugly or frail, and we can't bear to think that we will lose our beauty and strength.  Today... let's glory in heart, and not in appearance.  Let's never assume we know someone's heart because of their outward appearance.  As we try it today, maybe we'll find a new friend, or learn something new. :)