San Saba Church of Christ

1 Samuel 16:7b:  “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

President Lincoln had an ability to laugh at himself, especially his own physical appearance.  When Senator Douglas once called him a “two-faced man,” Lincoln responded, “If I had another face, do you think I would wear this one?”

Although his likeness is widely recognized, Lincoln is not known primarily for his appearance, but for his courageous stance for restoration of the Union and the abolition of slavery.  He is often held up as an example of remarkable patience, determination, dedication, strong will, compassion, and thoughtfulness.  These inner qualities are what mark Lincoln as one of greatest presidents.

So much is made in our culture today of outward appearance and material possessions. When God measure a man, He puts the tape around the heart instead of the head.

James Johnston

True MirrorFor too long we’ve been looking in the wrong mirror. We’ve been seeing ourselves the way others see us, not the way God sees us. It’s just like looking in a mirror at a funhouse. When we look at others to see who we are, we get a distorted view, and when we act as if the image is true, we’re deceived.

Jeremiah 16:12: “But you have behaved more wickedly than your fathers. See how each of you is following the stubbornness of his evil heart instead of obeying Me.”

Who are we following?  Are we following the righteous ones who lead us to heaven?  Are we following those who seek only temporary pleasures on earth that does not last?

You begin to see yourself reflected in the mirror of God’s Word. That’s beauty by the Book! We need to live for God by obeying Him!

James Johnston

Romans 12:7-8: ⁷ If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; ⁸ if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Everyone is born with a holy purpose, but we often undermine that purpose by comparing ourselves to other people.

God made each of us distinct. No two fingerprints are alike. No two voiceprints will ever match, and no snowflakes, or grains of sand have ever been alike! God is a God of infinite variety, and you are unique.

Stop comparing yourself with others.

Stop discounting what God counts precious—your life.

Remember that somebody needs your love right where you are—someone whom God has appointed for you to touch!

-James Johnston