I literally turned my computer back on after shutting it down five minutes ago just to write this post. I just got hit SO hard with a text that some of you may be familiar with: Luke 16:15, it reads "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God." Jesus here is addressing the Pharisees ridiculing Him. First off, how great of a comeback is that! Go Jesus, He just let's it flow. Here is what I got out of it.
How much time do we spend focusing on ourselves? The clothes we wear (especially), the way our hair looks, the cars we drive, the way we speak, the way we WALK. What are we doing?! Why are we so caught up in looking perfect! What are we getting out of our image?
Is it that more people will think we're awesome and want to be around us? Is it that we want to be seen? Is that our way of grasping for love? Attention?
This is me challenging myself and all of you to look at the lives we lead. Are we grasping for attention? What are the reasons behind the way we dress, speak, walk etc? What things do we post on Facebook and why? Are they drawing attention away from us and toward God? If we are doing these things simply to exalt ourselves among men, that is an ABOMINATION IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. Wow, re-read that if you have to. I know I have about 5 times. We should all be living our lives to exalt God. There is nothing wrong with looking good at all! But how do we use that 'attention' or 'exaltation'?
Scot, this has totally been hitting me hard the past few days! I was at a conference on Saturday and the keynote speaker said "what good is it for everyone else if they like me?...it doesn't matter how we look, but we should only care how people around me see Jesus." It's easier said than done but I'm glad we can walk in this together!
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Scot,
ReplyDeleteI continue to be blessed by your humility and earnest desire to pursue and serve our God. Thank you for your willingness to attack head on one of the biggest threats to our relationship with Jesus, our desire for the praise of this world. Death to self is the only hope for life. Keep at it brother.
-Taylor
Call us out, bro! I hear the arguments that how we look is going to affect how people perceive us, which is going to affect how we're able to minister to them... but honestly, I think in general we are MORE than concerned enough with out appearances. And like you pointed out, I think it's primarily a heart issue-- are we craving the attention and approval of men? Or are we more than satisfied in GOD, and craving his approval? That's what we need to be. Thanks for the reminder to be living for an audience of one : )
ReplyDeleteRad man. I think the same thing and even beyond just those popular common things we tend to place attention on...the things we love most...for instance: my photography...am I using my gift to bring glory or am i promoting myself and what ive been blessed with? It's a battle I've already began to experience. Let it be a battle because I want to only bring God glory in what He's blessed me with...aren't we blessed to bless others? What's the one thing we think we're doing right and examine if we really are within our hearts. Huge thing i've thought of too lately...oh btw love u.
ReplyDelete-Zack
scot. i read this passage and i didnt know what to say. honestly, i still dont. but i want you to know i read your stuff and value it. love me.
ReplyDeletescot, this was sucha conviction for me. so many times i confuse attention and exaltation and i justify the two. thank you for remiding me whats at stake and the importance of our walk with God!
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