What's Inside?
Scripture Reading — 1 Samuel 16:1-7
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
In Western culture today, being slim is often equated with being beautiful. It’s no wonder, then, that in the United States alone the weight-loss market is estimated at $80 billion per year— or over $150,000 per second! But dieticians warn that weight- loss products are often not reliable, and some diets are even harmful to our health.
The fascination with being slim starts at a very young age. Photoshopped images of models create unrealistic expectations in children, especially for girls. As children grow up, some start feeling unhappy and depressed. In extreme cases this can lead to serious eating disorders.
We need to be good stewards of our bodies to honor God with the bodies he has given us. The Lord says he does not look first of all at outward appearances. His primary concern is the disposition of our heart: our character, intentions, and attitudes. God looks at what’s inside, not outside.
As our Savior, the Lord expects and treasures our devotion to him. If we are dieting, we have to ask ourselves, “What’s our primary motivation?” Are we seeking to honor God through a healthy body, or are we just concerned with our looks? Vanity can be spiritually dangerous. But our devotion and commitment are pleasing to the Lord.
Our Father, help us to be honest with ourselves. Give us the right motivations and set us free from sins of vanity. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Sergei Sosedkin
Sergei Sosedkin is the Russian-language ministry leader for ReFrame Ministries. He is a native of Moscow, Russia. As he oversees the Russian-language ministry, Sosedkin works from our office in Grand Rapids and in various locations in Russia.
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