APRIL 13, 2 Samuel 14:25, 26

One of the most sought after things in life is to look good. Millions around the world buy billions of dollars worth of beauty products like skin care to be able to “look good”. Others may go to specialist doctors to have face-lifts and other types of cosmetic surgery. Absalom, if he lived today, need not do any of these. Why? Because he was very handsome. Verse 25 tells us that perhaps Absalom was the most handsome man in Israel! And not only was he handsome, he had very nice hair too! Men of a certain age tend to lose hair, but Absalom did not have that problem. In fact, he was endowed with a lot of hair. And we may presume it is healthy and beautiful locks of hair. His good looks and eventual popularity made him proud and evil.

Is there anything wrong with being good-looking? Of course not. If God has given us good looks, like He may give us a good mind, we thank Him. However, good looks, like any other gift from God, may make one proud. Are you blessed with good looks? Do people say you look “cute” or “pretty” or “handsome”? How do you feel when they say such things? A right attitude is to be grateful to the Giver, our gracious God. And to thank the one who complimented you. A wrong attitude is to feel this swelling inside and think you are better or “more special” than others.

What is more important than good looks is to have a good heart. Do you have a good heart? Do you have Christ-likeness? Sometimes we come across classmates or other children who may look different from us, or are in some way “disadvantaged”. They may have special needs and may not be able to do the things you can. How do we view them? May today’s lesson teach us not to look at that which is external, but to treasure that which is internal – someone who possesses a good and kind heart.

Thought: A good heart is better than good looks.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to value the right things – a good heart, a kind person, a gracious boy or girl. Teach me to show that I am a Christian in these practical ways so that perhaps others can see Jesus in me. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.