Blue Jays
by Katherine Kehler
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“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on jewelry, or beautiful clothes, or hair arrangement. Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle quiet spirit which is so precious to God” (1 Peter 3:3-4)
One morning, as I stepped outside into the fresh morning air, I noticed the birds. The small wood thrushes were singing their hearts out and happily flitting around from tree to tree. Their songs fill the air with joy every morning and lift the spirits of anyone who hears them. How I enjoy them! They are not showy and beautiful birds, but bring much joy into the world.
And then I heard a blue jay. Their blue feathers glisten when the sun shines on them.
Their loud, raucous sound got my attention; although, the sound is not at all pleasant, their outward appearance is so very beautiful. They are noisy and aggressive, they have been known to attack cats and humans and are notorious as nest robbers. They devour small birds.
Well, I don’t know who said it, but people’s beauty, like a blue jay, can be only skin deep. God wants our beauty to come from within. We can work at keeping our bodies lean and shapely. We can wear beautiful clothes and have the most current hairstyles. But taking time with God and His Word, beautifies us from the inside - our hearts.
Have you ever evaluated the time you spend on your outward appearance compared to your inward appearance? Think about it. What is the most pleasing to God? Do you need to rearrange your priorities?
Father, we want to be what You want us to be. We want to take care of our outward body, because we are the temple of God. But we also know that You desire that we have a quiet, gentle, beautiful spirit so the sound that comes from our mouths with bring joy to others. Amen
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