A Different Eye

I've wondered what single thought might be appropriate to share as we step into the year 2000. As we seek to better our relationships with God and with each other, there is one that should burn within: God does not see as man sees.

Is there a better reminder than our recent visit to the Conway Human Development Center to sing Christmas carols to the clients? Despite having been there more than 5,000 times to visit our daughter Jenny, I was still sobered by what I saw. There is little that's physically attractive at CHDC.

Instead, we see the permanent scars of physical deformity and mental incapacity. We might be revolted by the ravages that others' bodies and minds have suffered and the "ugliness" that remains. We are inclined to express pity in the same breath that we thank God that neither our beautiful children nor we are in such a plight.

But we must remember this: God does not see as man sees. Man may look on the outward appearance and be repulsed. On the other hand, God looks at the heart... to the soul that will live forever. And I wonder if He might not be repulsed Himself by the ugliness of sin that He may see there.

We are even quick to measure others' spirituality by the yardstick of outward appearance: how they look or what they wear or what they do. And as important as these are, God looks far deeper. Does He see in us hearts of tenderness and compassion and forgiveness, hearts eager to please Him, hearts willing to change our own outward ways that would cause others to inwardly stumble? That's His standard.

Instead or primping and preening to cast the "outer man" in the best light for the sake of others, we would be better served to deal with the "inner man," whose state before God is of far greater concern. And before Him it stands naked and bare.

A DIFFERENT EYE

In early life she oft did fall,
Sins of crimson, known to all.
Called a harlot (what a scourge),
Marked forever by that word.

Yet in the end God lifts her high;
Works by faith did justify.
By her faith more fruit He'd bring:
Rahab's line gave Christ the King.

Though men her lifestyle might decry,
Our God has a different eye.
We're reluctant to embrace
Those who fall in sin's disgrace.

But God who sees beyond what shows,
To the heart that no man knows,
With discernment in the end,
Reconciled her faith and sin.

Copyright 2000 James McAlister

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