Is is Clothes or the Heart that Makes the Man?
I saw these “ancient” photos and how stylish and dressed-to-the-nines we were back then. I remembered Mark Twain’s quote: “Clothes make the man! Naked people have little or no influence on society.” I had to laugh at that thought and visual! This first photo is my Mom and her best friends, my mother and father-in-law in their Sunday best. Check out those hats and gloves! That was the church apparel style 50+ years ago. The next photo was of us 30 years ago, in our backyard — all dressed up for church in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. That’s what we did “back in the day”! We were on purpose to dress our best. I learned that as a little girl in the “Jackie Kennedy” era when we wore the pillbox hats, gloves and frills. I remember my Mom saying that we dress up for church because we’re going to be in the presence of our King and we want to give Him our best.
Though I personally still carry that mindset even today as a product of my upbringing, I’ve come to understand that just being in church and praising and thanking God is what is most important. And, clothes DON’T make the man. What makes a man is a heart after God. I’m just thrilled when I see anyone worshipping God with me in their vast array of clothing styles — from athletic wear, ripped jeans and shorts to suits, ties and dressy dresses. And, bless my Mama’s heart — she meant well in saying “we’re going to be in the presence of our King”, but today I’d remind her…our KING lives IN us. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) — and Who is inside us — is what matters.
I’m not going to be that little old lady that is whining about the good old days when we did things this way or that way. This is the good new days and God wants us to COME as we are: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
Where I’m going with this post is of far more value and worth than our outward appearance. God isn’t looking for the perfect ensemble or the latest fashion statement. God is looking for those who desire to be His fully devoted followers. The question is “How much time do we spend working on our hearts — the part that matters most to God?” “Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.” I Samuel 17:31
That scripture was God’s explanation to the prophet Samuel of how God could pick a little kid (David) over impressive looking warriors. In this case, God had chosen a young man who didn’t look like he measured up or was even qualified for the job. In David’s case, and in our case, God is looking for those who trust Him with their whole hearts and who live with the desire to keep their hearts pure and pliable. So, today, let’s represent Him in the way we act and look by “dressing up” our hearts. After all, the KING is right here….right NOW in our hearts!