BOTOX FOR THE SOUL

Ephesians 4:22-30
22 Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is
helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Got Botox? A lot of people do. They may be older than you, but that's the point. They are seeking Botox treatments because they've reached a time in their lives when they want to look young and fresh again.

Appearances are important to us, that's for sure. And they are so important to Botox users that they will allow someone to inject them with botulinum toxin Type A (yikes!) so that their wrinkles will disappear for a couple of months. Then the treatment must be administered again.

The treatment is somewhat expensive, and it comes with possible side effects. But that doesn't seem to be stopping people from giving it a try. People go to great lengths to look better.

Looking good is not a bad thing; it's something we all know is an asset in today's world. But a more important consideration is how we look on the inside. How much are we willing to sacrifice to have the kind of character God wants?

Are we willing to try some Botox for the soul? Are we willing to inject ourselves with the kind of loving spirit, merciful compassion, caring interest in others, unselfish kindness, and gentleness of character that will show Jesus to others? Are we willing to come back to God and His Word time after time to get the spiritual character enhancement we need? That's how we can live by the suggestion of Paul in Ephesians 4 to be children of light.

Here are some character treatments we can all take:

* Speak truthfully (v.25).
* Don't sin, despite your anger (v.26).
* Don't steal, but work hard (v.28).
* Build others up with your words (v.29).
* Please the Holy Spirit with your life (v.30).

Looking for ways to look good? Go through the Epistles (Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians) and find all the character-building verses you can. Then inject them into your life each day. Believe me, it'll be much better than Botox. --Dave Branon

DESTINATION POINTS

* How does the way I look on the outside affect my life? Do I also value the way I look on the inside?
* Who are a couple of people I look up to because of the way they live out their faith? What are three things I can learn from them?
* What are two or three characteristics that I feel I can use to build others up?

LINKS:
Goodness:
It Begins in the Heart
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/8c1/8c1010.html

bottom line: Let others see Jesus in you.

soul journey