Sometimes before leaving home, I may ask a family member, “How do I look? If there is no one to ask, I tend to look in the mirror for approval. I’m looking because I want to be sure everything is in it’s proper place: my hair is right, makeup is on point, colors are coordinated, nothing is hanging out, and accessories are complimentary. This is all well and good because it shows that I care about myself and how I’m presented and perceived to others. Lastly, just to make sure everything is in order, I might take one more glance in the mirror :)! Does that sound like your experience at times?

Now at a greater and deeper glance, I have come to realize how I look on the inside matters far more to God than my outward appearance. How I look on the inside can reflect how I look on the outside, good or bad. I ask, have you thought about how you look on the inside? On the inside no one can tell you how you’re really looking; no one but the Holy Spirit, of course. Why not ask, “Holy Spirit,  how do I look today?” Let Him be your mirror of approval.

After asking Him… do you like what you see? Do you look lovely, joyful, peaceful, grateful? Know that if you are lovely, love will be seen. If you are joyful, joy will be  reflected. If you are peaceful, you will exemplify peace. If you are grateful, gratitude will be shown in your life. I’m encouraging you to know that how we look matters to God. We are His representative. The world is looking at us, and it should matter how we look to the world, as we are ambassadors for Christ. I’m also encouraging you to look within first that your inward appearance may reflect the life of Christ, outwardly.

“Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear –  but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Peter 3:3-4.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

I will keep on thanking God for showing me His spiritual dress code.  By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com