11/20/2014
Paradigm Shift: BeautyHave you ever heard of the term paradigm shift? I heard this term a few years back while watching one of Bishop TD Jakes’ sermons.
A paradigm shift is a change in a person’s perspective. As Christians, we are constantly experiencing paradigm shifts when we are carefully studying the Word and seeking the face of God. Why do I say this? The Bible says God’s Word is “alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Also, in John 6:63, Jesus states that the words He speaks are full of the Spirit and life. Undoubtedly, God’s Word is more than just letters on the page. Paradigm shift of the mind (Beauty) God’s main concern is how beautiful you are on the inside. When Samuel was at Jesse’s house trying to figure out which of his seven sons would be the next king, he was looking at physical appearance. In response to Samuel’s assumption, the Lord said to him, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7-NKJV). After God rejected all seven of Jesse’s sons, Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” That was when Jesse decided to acknowledge David’s existence. “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” When David arrived in front of the prophet, “He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.” Then God said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” Now, David took care of his father’s sheep, right? He also fought the bears and lions that tried to attack these sheep (1 Samuel17:34), remember? This means David was most likely not well-groomed as he stood before Samuel, yet the Lord opened the prophet’s eyes and he saw David’s beautiful heart. Later, the Bible said David was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). In other words, when you follow the commandments of God, He defines you as fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Prayer: Dear God, I humbly come to you in the name of Jesus, asking you to transform my mind. I no longer want to think the way I used to. Cause a paradigm shift to transpire in my mind, so that I can have the mind of Christ. Thank you for making me fearfully and wonderfully. Thank you for teaching me that beauty is meant to be perceived from the inside to the outside. Forgive me for allowing the world to deceive me into defining beauty as materialistic things. Father, you have taught me in Proverbs 31:30 that charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman [or man] who fears the LORD is to be praised. Amen. Read- Paradigm Shift: Renew Your Mind |
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