Gospel-centered Looks (by Jason Cornwell)

I've never been accused of looking like Brad Pitt. I know, I know, some of you were looking at the picture and thinking, "C-dog, I'm so surprised." :) Well, we are both guys & we are both made in the image of God. But that's where the similarities stop. I'm short, I don't have hair & no one is going to put me on the cover of any muscle magazine anytime soon. But that's OK.

You see, the world would have us believe that if you don't have great hair, great abs, great looks, a great personality & great other stuff, that you're aren't really that significant. The world would have us believe that if you don't look like anyone of many magazine models, then you are not really accepted. But the Gospel changes all that.

You see, acceptance with God does not consist in the state of my abs, the number of hairs on my head (although He knows each one & it's getting easier for me to know as well), how tall I am or how many movies I've starred in. Acceptance with God consists in something much more difficult! Acceptance w/ God demands perfect adherence to His Law. Now, with enough surgery, I can have great abs, flowing locks & a square jaw. But that won't get me a perfect record w/ God.

But the Gospel can. Jesus lived a perfect life & died a perfect death for me. He has perfectly adhered to the Law of God for me. That's what gains me acceptance with God. And because of my union w/ Christ, I am a son & that's significant! Age & death will take away that other stuff. Acceptance & Significance with God thru the perfect Son will never be taken away.

So don't compare yourself w/ the magazine models. Instead, meditate on your union w/ Christ!