Looking Different
I don’t think I dress weird or even boldly. I’m fairly common and I don’t think I stand out because of my branded dress shirt or khaki pants. I do care about my appearance and try to have a “clean” and “well-groomed” look about me. There are times I might even wear a sports coat and at other times I might wear a tie. The outward way I dress is not nearly as important as my attitude and the kindness of my interaction with others. My appearance is about much more than outer clothing for sure.
Moses and the people of Israel are camped at Mt. Sinai and he’s gone up the mountain for the second time and he spends another 40 days with the Lord up on the mountain. He receives new tablets to replace the ones he has smashed in anger at the people worshipping the golden calf. His appearance had changed this time and the people noticed. Check this out….
29 When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. 30 So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him.
31 But Moses called out to them and asked Aaron and all the leaders of the community to come over, and he talked with them. 32 Then all the people of Israel approached him, and Moses gave them all the instructions the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. (Exodus 34:29-32 NLT)
I think I’ll get a haircut this morning so that I won’t look so shaggy! I do try to keep my clothes looking clean and nice. I wear a nice “fresh smelling” cologne to help make meeting me more pleasant. This all sounds a bit goofy, but I do care about how I’m perceived by others as much as it depends upon me. I can’t really do much about people who don’t know me and don’t like me. I am constantly trying to treat people the way I want to be treated. I’ve had to make decisions in my career that not everyone is happy with. I also try not to personally attack anyone with words or actions. I want to live my everyday life today differently because I’ve been with the Lord this morning. I know that my face isn’t glowing, but I hope my heart is showing. I want to see others like He sees them. I want to expand my heart of compassion for others like the Lord has demonstrated for me. I would love for the “glow of my heart” to show others the joy and peace I’ve found in following the Lord.
Pressing On!
Dwayne