Words for the “Ugly, Dumb, Clumsy, Poor” People
Our world is so upside down. From the time a child enters school, he is confronted with the reality that if you are not cute, handsome or beautiful, you may not succeed. If you are not more intelligent than others, you might fail. If you are not wealthy, your chances of advancement may be quite limited. If you are not athletic, you may not be popular and well known among other students.
Are you God’s Definition of Beautiful?
Beauty, brains, money and athleticism seem to be such an exaggerated measure of the worth of a person. It becomes obvious early in life, but take a look at the world in our adult lives. Little has changed. However, the measuring rod showing a person’s real worth is not found in these four things. The reason these have become the measure of a person is because while man looks on the outward appearance, the Lord looks on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7).
The words of Paul show those who mean the most to God. “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (1 Cor. 1:26). These are not the called simply because their fleshly values, which actually are worthless, are so important to them.
When Jesus came He sought to bring every man to Himself. All men were invited, but not all responded to His invitation. Who did respond? Read these words carefully. “The common people heard Him gladly” (Mark 12:37). Who are those common people? Not the beautiful, the intellectuals, the wealthy or the athletes. All men are called, but the majority do not respond and so very few of those “mighty” in this world.
James, the Lord’s brother, reminds us of this in his epistle. “Listen, my beloved brethren: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him” (Jas. 2:5)? The world is so upside down. We honor the “mighty” in our society when in reality God does just the opposite.
So how do you feel about yourself? Those ideas you learned early in life and which are so much part of adult life are just wrong. The Messianic prophet proclaimed that when the Messiah came He would replace ashes with beauty (Isa. 61:3). Those the world sees as ugly become the beautiful bride of Christ. Those whom the world sees as ignorant have more understanding that their worldly teachers (Psa. 119:99). Those viewed as poor have a treasure that far surpasses all the worldly wealth (Matt. 16:26). Those who never excelled in any athletic event triumphantly receive a crown when they finish their race (2 Tim. 4:7-8).
Aren’t you glad you see the world right side up!