Sunday 17 November 2013

What Do You See in People?

Favorite Disney princess?

Belle, hands-down.


She's selfless. She knows that wealth and possessions aren't what really matters. She shows her love by her actions - she's willing to sacrifice her happiness and freedom for that of her father's. Even though  she can hold her own, she believes in redemption too - she believes even the beast can change. (And she loves books! Extra bonus points for that!)

She sees the best in people. 

It's not that she's ignorant. Or majorly gullible. But she chooses not to focus on people's mistakes and flaws, but on who they really are inside, who they can be. 

I'm a selfish, self-centered person. Recently I've found myself battling jealousy and discontentment as I compare myself to others. But when I think about how I'm not as good as so-and-so, or I'd-be-happier-if-I-had-hair-like-her, it's all about ME. And that's not what my life is supposed to be about. It's supposed to about HIM. And He said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35) Wow. Love others as Jesus loved us? That's intense, sacrificial, life-saving love! 

I want to show God's love to others. I can start by seeing the best in them instead of being jealous of them. 

No, I most certainly do not have the power to redeem anyone, but I know someone who DOES have that power. 

I know I'm making a VERY loose analogy here, and I'm not even sure I'm trying to make a comparison. I was just thinking about Belle and how she always sees the best in people, and I realize that's something I haven't been doing lately because I have been too focused on myself. That's not what Jesus wants me to do. I can't change myself, but He can change me. Praise the Lord for that!

"Klarabelle"

7 comments:

  1. Wow, I was thinking that very same thing! I watched that movie for the first time in eight year, just a couple weeks ago. Yep, Belle is my favorite too!

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    1. Thanks so much for the comment!!! Yeah, it's just such a beautiful story!!! <3 My fave Disney cartoony movie with the exception of Mulan, Mulan is pretty cool too. ;)

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    2. Haha, yeah! :) It's been a while since I've seen that one... :-/

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  2. I'm so glad you've posted on this! I've been judging some people at my youth group based solely on their appearances alone, and I'm trying to get rid of that. -.- 'Tis not good!

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    1. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Madeline! I know what you mean; I struggle with that too.

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  3. Amen! I've been thinking about this a lot recently. It's funny how it seems like material things will make us better or how we think our life will be completed with it. But it's only with Jesus that we can be truly completed. The reminder that our life is supposed to be all about Jesus is just what I needed. Thank you, friend! <3
    Haley

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    1. Hi, Haley! Thanks for commenting!
      I agree... it is crazy how it seems so easy to be distracted by material things when we already have what we need most - Jesus!
      Thanks for the comment; it really encouraged me! :)

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