Point of view (2)

The apostle Paul asks, 'Do you look at things according to the outward appearance' (2 Corinthians 10:7 NKJV)? If we're honest, our answer may be 'often'. Let's look at David's story. When the prophet Samuel paid a visit to David's family looking for the next king for Israel, he wanted to meet all the sons of Jesse. But David, the youngest, wasn't even asked by his father to join them. Left to tend the sheep, Jesse assumed that David's age and lack of experience compared to his older brothers made him not worthy.

But David was top-notch for the job: 'glowing with health' (1 Samuel 16:12 NIV) and filled with courage. He was not the scrawny boy his father saw; he was meant to have an important position.

Similarly for us, God has our opportunities lined up, despite what anyone may say about us not making it. So it's always worth praying for patience, and bravery, with people who make us feel inferior. Let's love them, but not believe their put-downs. Let's remember that God's given his life for us, so we already have his approving welcome.



So what now? Who has put you down? Whether a past or current thing, it's time to pray for a patient and forgiving spirit. Pray for wisdom on how to move forward. Being filled with grace and love doesn't mean we have to accept something that's outright wrong. Write the offence down, pray over it, and share it with a wise friend if you need to talk.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Do you look at...the outward appearance?' 2 Corinthians 10:7 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

Judg 6:24, John 14:27, 1 Pet 3:8