Beautiful People, 

"Trust in the Lord and do good" (Psalm 37:3, NIV).

The beauty of God's character convicts me to draw near to His holy presence. Think about the people you most admire. What about their character inspires you? When I think about God, I realize just how GOOD He is. Jesus has saved me from my sin, so I identify myself as a redeemed child of God; however, on the days I find myself stooped in sin, His grace abounds and redirects me to the Cross. The kindness of Jesus leads me to repentance (a change of mind and behavior). The beauty of God's character also enables me to practice the art of self-forgetfulness. Tim Keller defines self-forgetfulness as "the essence of gospel-humility, [the practice] of not thinking more of [yourself] or thinking less of [yourself], it is thinking of [yourself] less." Why is this an art, and how does it relate to the extravagant character of Christ? Because God has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:5-6, NKJV). God's promises are true, and they are dependable. My response to God's promises depends on my trust in His character and the evidence He has provided through His Word and works.

I know what God has done for me and the lengths He is willing to go to remind me of my security in Christ; based on this, I proactively live a life that is engaged with meeting the needs of others through unconditional, sacrificial love. Christ's love is then translated to others through good works. The beauty of God's character reveals His love towards us and invokes a desire to leave the care of self into God's capable hands. When we practice self-forgetfulness, we have room to think, pray, and act on behalf of others. We have room to fill our hearts with gratitude and cheer. When we trust God and do good, we tell the world, "My God will cover all my needs so I can relax and focus on the needs of those around me." When people associate our character and care with that of God, they will be drawn into Christ's Kingdom and meet the One who cared enough to lay down His life for their sake. As Christians, we need to learn to trust our being in the hands of Christ so that we can serve those around us wholeheartedly. God has you; He will never leave you, so go and do good for others.   

I praise God for you and hope you will find peace knowing that God has you in His capable hands.