Take Off The Costume

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him: The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7

October 19th, you know what that means: We sit only 12 days away from Halloween.

It’s fun seeing people dress up as Minecraft monsters, Buzz Lightyear, space cowboys, and even the occasional spooky skeleton. Why am I talking about Halloween, though? Because that’s the one day we are supposed to wear a costume, but how many of us are stuck in one of our own design right now?

How many of us are trying to be someone we are not to appease others? How many of us are going through the motions with God and trying to play the part instead of having an actual relationship with Him?

I have been guilty of both at one point or another. I think it’s easy to forget who created us sometimes, with social media demanding attention and trying to fit in with those we love.

We have to remember that God created us with purpose, with intent, to glorify Him. We were not created to seek the approval of the world; we were created to worship the King.

He is not moved by perfection or how well we look the part. He is our Creator who knows our hearts, who knows what we will bring to Him in prayer before we even ask. He wants us as we are, not as we want to be.

Let us be surrendered to His ways and trust Him daily, not just when we need Him most. Let us love our Father the way He loves us, unconditionally, and let us put the costumes we put on away.

Let us be who He created us to be: Authentically, unashamedly, His.

Hallelujah.