So. It might seem a bit strange at first doing this, but looking beyond what's given is so important. However, it also means giving up all pre-conceived ideas of the people around you. It means not believing the nasty rumors you hear about others until you get to know them enough for yourself. It means not following the "status quo". It means changing your culture. Our generation has stopped the deep and beautiful relationships that once existed and instead replaced them with "skin deep" superficial and fake friendships. (Fortunately I have been blessed with some amazing friends!) And I guess that's why my friends and I get along so well. We see each other for who we truly are. Our friendships are not merely based on outward appearances and shallow conversations, but rather something more deep founded in Christ.
"Do not hover always on the surface of things, nor take up suddenly with mere appearances; but penetrate into the depth of matters, as far as your time and circumstances allow..." ~Isaac Watts
How did Jesus view those He met? He surely searched beneath the surface of the tax-collectors and the "unwanted" by his society. He called the widows, orphans, and little children unto himself. He didn't care what others had said, he searched the heart and knew the soul of everyone He came in contact with. That's our job.
Do not be so shallow to miss the beauty hidden beneath the surface of a person's soul.
That was a great post! It really is so true. My family and I only have 2 very close families for our friends, even though, of course we do have other friends. But whose going to search farther than skin deep with someone they don't even know the most obvious things?
ReplyDeleteSisters in Christ,
Mary