As I stared at my over-abundant closet full of clothes this weekend, I tried to shuffle around my winter apparel and started to pull out my spring outfits. Of course, this task was more than daunting when you have too many outfits and hoard stuff like I do, but as I looked through so many different outfits I realized all these things are just costumes of fading fashions that we put on. However, what is really important is the character we possess inside, not what we put on our outward man. So, how do we get past the costume and get to the character?

In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Bible states, “But the Lord said to Samuel, ’Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” People look at the costume, the outward appearance, and seem to judge what’s on the inside, the character. If they see something beautiful, well-built or well-dressed, they tend to believe this person is more admirable and worthy of respect. If an individual lacks these outward appearances, they are often judged inappropriately. However, that’s not how God sees us. He has the unique ability to see past the costume and see the true character of man. He sees the heart.

I know appearances can be deceiving too. I’ve seen many who looked appealing to the eye but were lacking in their character. Beautiful on the outside does not always mean beautiful on the inside. I’ve also seen those in humble clothing or in all black and tattooed from head-to-toe who were very tenderhearted on the inside and had great character. Our physical appearance doesn’t always show our value or character that is on the inside of us. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do believe our outward appearance should reflect what’s on the inside. This is why I think we should show integrity and be dressed accordingly. If you’re dressing distastefully or questionably then it’s really a reflection of your true character. I don’t believe anyone has to flaunt their body to prove their self-worth. If anything that proves there is self-doubt. I’m not saying you can’t be proud of losing weight or getting a new haircut or outfit. I’m just saying if you have to reveal your half-dressed body on social media to prove your worth then you’re really proving your inner character more.

Here’s another way to look at it too. Caring about what people think about you is one thing, but being controlled by it is another. We should want to look nice but it’s dangerous when man’s opinion of us becomes idolatry and our god. Yes, we can put our flesh above the true living God and make it a god in our own eyes. Perhaps Mark 8:36 says it best, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” What is your outward appearance saying about your inner man? What are you trying to prove to yourself or others? What are you chasing after – man or God?

Remember any connections you make physically still affect you spiritually. That’s why the Word says to “Be not unequally yoked” and “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” I want to be a reflection of Christ. I want my outward appearance to mirror my inner character that hopefully is getting stronger and more beautiful to God and others by the kindness I can show.

So let’s get past the costumes that you and I wear, and let’s get to the character on the inside that matters most.