Lessons from the Beach: Part II
What’s wrong with this one?
“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” [1 Samuel 16:7]
My wife and I love the beach. Recently, we spent six days relaxing in South Carolina. There is just something soothing about being at the beach!
We thoroughly enjoy taking long walks--morning and evening--just talking, dreaming, planning, thinking. While walking, we are constantly searching for unique seashells. We have gathered some pretty neat shells over the years, but we are always on the lookout for something different. This trip was no exception.
For six days, we walked along the beach. We loved it! It was so relaxing and so much fun…almost! Because of our existing collection of seashells, no ordinary shell would suffice. It just had to be perfect! Time after time I picked up a seashell and eagerly exclaimed, “Look at this one!” However, my enthusiasm was met with a tepid response, “Yeah…but, it’s not perfect. See how the edges are jagged.” This scenario repeated itself time after time. Soon, it became a huge joke between us and provided much laughter. But it didn’t deter me from seeking the “perfect” seashell!
The reality is that many of us strive for perfection in our daily lives. We demand it of ourselves. We demand it of our spouses. We demand it of our friends. At times, we even expect it from strangers.
Samuel, the wise prophet, was sent to anoint a new king for Israel. He was to locate a man named Jesse, and then God would show Samuel which of Jesse’s sons he was to anoint. Samuel was on the lookout for “perfection.” The oldest son paraded past Samuel, and he just knew this was the one he was to anoint. But God said, “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Seven sons later, none were selected. Finally, the youngest--the runt of the brothers--was called in from the field. Yes, this was the son that Samuel was to anoint as the new king.
There is no “perfect” requirement for God. Whew! Thankfully, we aren’t seashells that must be perfect in order to be added to God’s collection. He accepts us just like we are, jagged edges and all.
Not perfect? Me either, which makes us great candidates for God’s collection!
What’s wrong with this one?
