⁷ But the LORD said to Samuel, “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]

I guess with everything that I am currently facing and everything that I am working to overcome right now, this verse seems quite timely. I am currently living in a period of my life where things are only just starting to improve and get better. But I am really only at the beginning stages of that said improvement in my life. If you were in my position today, you would also agree that now isn’t the time to really think about the things that I desire, or what I would like to have. Yes, I am referring to all the things that we like to own, anything that is shiny and new that will “elevate” our outward appearances.

Sadly, we do live in a world where we’re constantly being measured with and compared to others, whether in our own personal lives, or when we are browsing through social media like IG and TikTok. We see everyone else getting to enjoy certain pleasures, or own certain stuff or have the kind of lifestyle we can only dream of; and we think to ourselves, “Why can’t I have that?”, “I want to have that.”

But as my own life’s experiences (most probably God using them to remind me) has been reminding me lately, I’ve spent most of my life chasing after everything that promotes outward appearances, and as a result, I totally neglected everything that truly mattered – the INSIDE. By inside, I mean who we are as a person. Our character, our attitude and how we behave and conduct ourselves, both in private and in public.

That is also why, for the past many years, I have been very dedicated and focused on building up my own character. Like I have shared before, it doesn’t replace the fact that I do have desires too. Who doesn’t want new and shiny things right? I will be lying if I ever said that I am not tempted to want to have things. I’m just trying my best to exercise greater self-restrain and self-discipline. I have to constantly remind myself that none of these “stuff” really matters if I don’t have a good character on the inside.

Self-Reminder: Remain Focused on Your Character Building

Like a small inner voice that is reminding me of this right now, the Holy Spirit is telling me to not become distracted. Yes, it’s okay to have a few things from time-to-time. The Bible does encourage us to enjoy the fruits of our labor. But it also teaches us wisdom and prudence. And for me, the most important priorities remain the same – saving up and clearing my debts first. If and only if I am able to secure additional funds (surpluses) through freelance work or part-time gigs, I can then consider investing/getting what I want (e.g. like a good, solid personal laptop/macbook, upgrading my personal website and turn it into something a little more professional-looking, etc).

But for now, my main focus has to be my character and integrity. Kindness, compassion and empathy. Most important of all, empathy. I need to focus on being the best version of myself during this period of time. In fact, I believe this is something that I need to continue and keep going for the rest of my life. Personal development/self-improvement should never have an end. It should be an on-going process.

So as much as the world is trying to scream at me daily that I lack certain things, or that I need to have certain things to look cool, or be cool, I know that it really doesn’t matter. What really matters is what’s on the inside of me. That matters even more than what’s on the outside.

Personal Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for speaking to me today about something as important as character building. Thank You for showing me today that I am currently back on the right path once again. And it is also a reminder that I need to stay on the same path and not go astray again.

We live in a world today where we are constantly being bombarded by temptations and advertisements that tell us we need to own or have certain things to be cool, or look cool. But as You have taught me and shown me, being a solid person with a great character and integrity is even more cool. Because that is something that is seriously lacking in the world today (so many people are just pretending and trying to be like everyone else).

I am grateful for the reminder Lord. I pray and ask that You will continue to give me the strength to resist those temptations on a daily basis, and also to have the self-discipline and wisdom to focus on myself and what is on the inside of me. Help me to continuously be the best version of myself Lord.

I vow to give You all the praise and all the glory. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen.