How did we do? Did we do enough? How was our performance? How is our appearance?
Common thoughts but deadly, for what happens when our performance is less than outstanding?
What about when we can’t do much, or what about when our appearance is lacking? There must be a better way; there has to be a better way. If there isn’t, we are doomed to unstable, unfruitful lives.
We are o.k. because our Celestial Daddy says we’re o.k. It has to be that simple. We must let him be the judge of our worth; we are wholly unsuited for the task. What traits or qualities or performance standards are suitable in an eternal world with a Holy God? Absolute holiness is the standard, and there is no way for us to reach that standard by outstanding performance or pleasing appearance. We need Our Heavenly Father to say to us, “Well done”, and only he knows what he is looking for in his children.
Love, not fear. Faith, not doubt. Hope, not despair. He will never be impressed with outstanding performances or stunning appearance. Only he is worthy of praise; only his works are awesome; only he is beautiful. And we are praised, awesome, and beautiful when we reflect him in our lives. We reflect him best when we walk in faith, hope, and love. Even our holiness is dependent on our having a heart of love. We can abstain from immorality and still miss the point. We are created to be vessels where God can reside, and he resides best in us when we are walking in love.
So, not our performance or appearance, but what God has done and the beauty of his holiness. Let’s set our hearts on letting him shine through us, and take our eyes off of our individual performance or appearance. Let us glorify him by bearing much fruit for him – “love, joy, and peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self control.”
“He who offers thank offerings prepares the way that God may show him his salvation.”
“Let us offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.” “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
~ Brad Heilhecker
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