Cosmetic Surgery.

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance 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

There were more than 12 million elective cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed last year. Over 2 million of them were surgical to redefine or enhance a body part. 5 million procedures were just a temporary fix like a Botox injection to minimize wrinkles. The covers of nearly all of our magazines are regularly graced by movie stars and athletes. Almost without exception the pictures are heavily retouched to remove every blemish and hint of fat so the personality appears even more attractive than they already are. In our world with its over-emphasis on beauty and perfection Christians must keep in mind that God is concerned with our hearts.

It is only natural to be influenced by what we see. Just as a child can recognize a sweet taste or we prefer warm weather to extreme cold. The danger is in being lulled into believing that whatever is easy or pleasurable is beneficial to us. Eat too many sweets or stay out in the sun too long and the thing that started out pleasurable will harm us. If we chase only the thing that seems right to us, we will be misled. When I played soccer, the coach told us, don’t look at a person’s head or body when defending, watch his feet. The Lord tells Samuel that God looks at the heart. God understands our motivations, our intentions and our true beliefs. It is not enough to look and act sincere. God requires that we be sincere.

My prayer today is that you give yourself a sincerity check this morning.

Deacon Larry Woodard