15th August 2013

Wasted Beauty

“Now in all Israel there was no one so much to be praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.”
2 Samuel 14:25 (ESV)

When I heard about the description of Absalom’s beauty last night, I wept in my spirit because the story reminds me of the opportunities he wasted for the sake of temporal, sensual, momentary pleasure and pride.

Absalom had the physical requirements to be King. He was loved by his father and positioned to be King. He had all he needed to be King, but he was not patient enough and lacked integrity.

As children of God, we all have seeds of greatness in us. That is why, among other things, it is written on many occasions in scripture about our make up, which is fearful and wonderful (Psalm 139:14).

But in our culture today we see the same “Absalom “ type of vanity and pride in our looks and appearance. From airbrushing celebrity pictures in magazines to the phenomenal growth in plastic surgery we see a society focused on appearance and youth.

But often ‘beauty is only skin deep’ and unfortunately, we’ve always been victims. As Christians we know that God looks on the heart, (1 Samuel 16.7 ) not on the external appearance.

From Adam and Eve till now, the enemy always tries to give us fleeting pleasures (Hebrews 11:25) in place of the real materials of godly character.

Prayer
God, help us not to waste our talents and lives, but trust you even when things don’t seem to be working because you are always there for us.
Amen

Study by Sunday Obeka Ekwo

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About the Author:
Sunday Ekwo attends Grace Communion Church Luton, a Congregation of the Worldwide Church of God UK.