I have shared before that I believe wholeheartedly in the power of our testimonies. Our faith stories are a glimpse into the power of God’s grace, love, faithfulness and provision for His children. We are currently in the midst of a series called “What’s Your Story?” at the Connection Worship Service on Sunday mornings at Clarkesville First UMC. I have personally been challenged in my faith as I listen to stories from members of our congregation. In one story a woman shared that for much of her teenage years she was judged for being a specific “type” of person. She shared that these opinions of others drove her to want to be different, to be unexpected. She started drinking, sleeping around, doing drugs, and participating in other self destructive behaviors for a teenager. Before long, this previously church-going, goody two shoes teenager was on a path away from a fulfilling relationship with her Heavenly Father.
How many of us have formed an opinion about someone before we have gotten to know them? It is easy for us to pass judgment based on what we think we know or understand. Our judgments can carry a lot of weight. In 1 Samuel 16 we are introduced to a young King David. At that time, the Lord removed Saul from kingship over Israel, and He sent the prophet Samuel to fetch David and anoint him as the new king of Israel. Samuel arrives in Israel, and he meets with Jesse and his sons. The following passage is from 1 Samuel 16:6-12.
When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” 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.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
How wonderful to know that our Lord, our Heavenly Father, is not concerned with our outward appearance or how others think we “ought to be.” Our Lord looks much more deeply and much more intimately upon His children to their hearts, the wellspring of their lives (Proverbs 4:23). I was personally challenged after hearing this member share her story. It is too easy to make assumptions about people, but let’s be different. Let’s love people for exactly who they are and leave judgment up to God.
About the Author: Josey Butcher serves as the Director of Communications and Evangelism at Clarkesville First UMC. She is married to Brian Butcher, who also serves on staff as CFUMC’s Youth and Children’s Director. They live in Clarkesville, GA.
