Do you ever feel like you just don't fit in? Do you feel like your missing something? Maybe all your spots are not the same as the others, maybe your even missing some, so some would say that makes you different, but it doesn't, it makes you unique, one of a kind. When we choose not to accept those that are different from us, when we choose to stay in our circle, when we choose not to befriend someone because they look different than us, we are missing out on something very special. We all have something beautiful to give, we all want to fit in, we all want to be part of something, to share our sisterhood or brotherhood with other Christians, but at times it us Christians who can be the worse at not accepting others for not being like us. Just as when you go and pick out a puppy for your family, there are the boys, and the girls, who usually cost more, then you also have those who are missing a little something, the smallest of the group, maybe carrying a blind eye, and so your price tag goes even lower. Which puppy do most people choose? They choose the best, the one that looks the best, the one that will bring them the most, and will fit into their family perfect. But what about the little one who just wants love? What about the little blind one who has so much to give? They are tossed aside, they are at times left behind, for the bigger and the better. Why? Why can't we just all be accepted for who we are, not what kind of house we live in, how much money we make, what our career is, or who we know? Why can't we stop looking at the outside of man and look at his heart? If your not running with the pack, you are running alone, and that is a sad place to be when you have so much to offer, but how will others ever know unless they give you a chance? Sometimes when we close our eyes, we bend down, it just might be that puppy who crawls up on our lap that we least expected that brings us the most joy. Popularity doesn't last a life time, money may buy you friends, but are they the kind of friends you want? The outside may be what we are searching for, it may be that we search out the best of the best to make ourselves feel better, but that outside can be deceiving. To know the heart of a man, to really know him, we must spend time with him. Jesus didn't just walk with the popular, with those who had money, He walked with those who were on the outside, those that others would never accept. He is our example, He has showed us what love is, what friendship is, for no other will ever love us as He, and no other will ever be a closer friend. Are you on the inside of that circle? Are you afraid to let others in, to open your heart to others waiting to make friends? If you are I challenge you to go outside your circle, look at those little puppies who are not the high priced ones, but those wagging their tail, those who are looking for love and have lots to share. If you stay inside that circle, you are missing a great gift of the friendship and wisdom of others. We all have something to give, to share, so begin today reaching out to the one who is different, the one who isn't in your circle, and see the blessings that sweet one will give.Lord, may I never just look at the outside of man, may I look at the heart of man, not judging them by their circumstances, but choosing to love them the way You love me.
Philippians 2:3-4 "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but for the interests of others."
1 Samuel 16:7b-c " For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
