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Single Minded
by Michelle Brinson
or at his physical stature, because I have refused him.
For the LORD does not see as man sees;
for man looks at the outward appearance,
but the LORD looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV
One of my favorite shows on television is Extreme Makeover Home Edition. My best friend and I love to watch this show. I think the reason we like it so much is that it is such a feel-good program that always has a happy ending. I can't watch it without being moved to tears – tears of joy and compassion. No matter how bad the situation is for the featured family, there's always a beautiful ending. I'm always so happy and thrilled for them that I cry.
There is much charm in seeing a transformation occur from something sad, broken and sometimes ugly into something that is happy, new or repaired and beautiful. I think most of us just love happy endings.
I work in marketing, and therefore I see the value in this charm. I know that's why every where I look there are how-to books, self-help books, facelifts, makeovers, products marked new and improved. Society has taught us to be in awe of and desire things that might make us prettier, thinner, and admired.
So, why do we spend so much time and money on things like this? Sadly, we've bought the lie. The lie that says we're not good enough the way God made us. The lie that says we've got to change something about ourselves – mainly on the outside, in order to be loved and accepted.
We are searching for transformation. We are seeking improvement and change for the better. We want to be valued, respected, and in our minds… ultimately happy.
What are we trying to transform? It's obvious much of the time is spent on the outside… from something as simple as a new outfit with new shoes, to the extreme of plastic surgery – maybe a tummy tuck, or a facelift. But whose approval are we seeking?
Or am I striving to please men?
If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10 NASB
1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV
We've fallen into the trap of trying to fix our exterior at the expense of our interior.
2 Corinthians 3:18 NASB
Instead of spending so much time and money on trying to fix what is superficial… we need to stop buying into the lie that we are not good enough. If God were to write an Extreme Makeover – Me (and You) edition… the brand new me and you wouldn't need all the work on the outside that we think we need.
Just ask God how He sees us.
Genesis 5:1b NIV
Ephesians 2:10 NASB
And here's the best one of all…
Galatians 2:20 NASB
If you are a Christian, you're already a "brand new you" – the extreme makeover has already taken place. Stop spending so much of your time worrying about the outside. Instead, concentrate on reflecting the image of the One who created you and now lives in you.
If you're not a Christian, it's not too late. The gift of eternal life is yours for the taking. Just invite Jesus into your heart to be your personal Lord and Savior and you too can undergo an extreme makeover – you edition.
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Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.
Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.
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