Thursday, August 25, 2005

Time for a facelift.

"A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and the sternness of his face is changed."

Have you ever met someone or seen them in the supermarket, and their face is so set with sternness that it took you aback? This week we have been sharing about a quiet and gentle spirit and its roots that run heart-deep. Yet, what is in our hearts is often betrayed on our faces.
You know with a look we can stop our children mid-sentence, we can set our spouse off or get ourselves in trouble with our boss.

When I first heard this verse referred to in a Bible study, my spirit quickened. There is hope of change. "The sternness of his face is changed...through the wisdom that makes his face shine." What kind of wisdom makes a face shine?

"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD." Exodus 34:29

Moses' face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. One key to having the heart change necessary to have the sternness of our face changed is spending time with Jesus. The wisdom of the gospel, God's truth and relationship with Jesus Christ softens a heart. It may not
happen in a moment, or after one day with Jesus, or one week, or one year, but just like with any relationship as it grows deep in your soul, there is a settledness that begins to surround you like when you slip into a hot bath and every muscle in your body relaxes. When you become
so at peace with Jesus, it shows all over your face and your face will be radiant. No need for that expensive face cream.

Your challenge today is to look in the mirror and ask the Lord, if there are lines of sternness or if He is reflected there.

Diane

No comments: