Sent: February 27, 2002
Subject: God is Looking At Your Feet
Good Morning Ethan & Emily:
On Sunday evening, Ethan had the opportunity to “hobnob” with the rich and famous at an exclusive charity benefit founded by one of the Avalanche hockey players. He has made many friends in local bands, and one of his “connections” got him admitted at no charge. Because of the nature of the benefit, many of our hockey “stars” were there as well as other wealthy and prominent Denver socialites. Some would call these attendees the “beautiful” people of Denver…whether they were physically distinctive or not. For some, they are “beautiful” because of their wealth and/or social status.
There is nothing wrong with Ethan attending this function, and we were glad he could attend. It seemed to be very “educational” for him, and we all enjoyed hearing about whom he saw or met.
God also has no problem with all things truly “beautiful.” The Bible is filled with descriptions of many beautiful items, but we are reminded often that we should not put too much importance on physical appearance. In fact, the best cosmetics a woman can use are applied from within:
“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gently and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” (1 Peter 3:3-4)
And did you get that…that “beauty from within” never fades?? Wow…if you could sell that, the Shopping Channel or QVC would never be able to keep up with the orders!
In fact, the “beauty” that merits genuine praise is not from appearance. Solomon who was perhaps the Old Testament authority on women (as he had wives and concubines almost beyond counting!) tells…and of all people he should know: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” (Prov. 31:30)
In the eyes of our materialistic world, “wealth” often equates to “beauty,” but neither wealth nor earthly beauty endures. James aptly reminds us with real world examples that “The hot sun rises and dries up the grass; the flower withers, and its beauty fades away. So also, wealthy people will fade away with all of their achievements.” (James 1:11)
Again, let me emphasize that there is nothing intrinsically wrong with physical beauty in itself. But it’s not the most important thing by far when making an opinion of someone or when describing them. If “beauty” were such a great thing, Jesus Himself would have reflected this in His own divine persona, but Isaiah gives us a portrait glimpse of our Lord when he tells us: “There was nothing beautiful or majestic about His appearance, nothing to attract us to Him.” (Isaiah 53:2)
And what is perhaps one of the more interesting passages in the Old Testament, Isaiah again gives us an additional insight into how God defines “beauty” when He, speaking under divine inspiration, declares: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” (Is. 52:7)
“Beautiful” feet? Yes,…beautiful feet!
Do you want to be more beautiful…more handsome…and do you want this attractiveness to last forever?? Who doesn’t?
God tells us that when we reflect His grace and allow the Holy Spirit to “make us over” from within and as we use our bodies and talents to share the Good News of the Gospel, we have “beauty” that the world does not see. But God sees the beauty…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…and that’s the truly “beautiful” and “in” group that we should want to spend our time with…now…and for all eternity!
Next time you look at your feet, be aware that as ugly as they may appear to you, in God’s sight, if you are living for Him, they are objects of beauty!
Have a great day looking for “beautiful” things from God’s perspective.
Sending my love,
Dad