Inner Beauty… Does It Matter?

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7
 
 
As Christians, we can look at this title and think, “what a silly question, of course it matters.” We have been raised to believe there is far more importance than just outside appearance… but do we truly believe this? Do we live this?  
 
When you scroll through Instagram how many times do you see provocative pictures? Even more, do you see how many likes and comments they get? These type of pictures will get everyone’s attention. As the verse above says, that is what people look at. And while many times it is women posting these pictures, as men are known to be visual creatures, men are posting pictures in suits, with super cars and fancy watches. They are promoting status, because that is what is known to attract so many women.
 
Regardless of whether it is for bodily image, or status appeal, so many people in today’s society are getting caught up in the rat race. But do these things lead to happiness? Recently I preached a sermon series called “It’s Going To Take More Than That.” And while we can often scroll through and see pictures of people living what appears to be “the dream life” we want for ourselves, the question is… do they have more than that?
 
I do not mean physically. It’s not a matter of do they have more money, more cars, or more bikinis, but is there more to them? Is there more to you? At first glance, it’s easy to desire this lifestyle, or love interest, but when the dust settles and you realize the material things don’t bring the satisfaction and happiness you had imagined, what else is there?
 
Whether you are trying to become the ultimate catch, attracting the most incredible man or woman, or you are looking for that person, make sure you take into account the inner beauty. Its cliche and we hear it all the time. But it’s also easy to gloss over. Don’t trick yourself and be knee deep before you realize that it takes more than that. Because the inner beauty does matter. It’s not only what the Lord looks at, but it’s also what you truly desire.