Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday March 3, 2011

Two statements today that teach one truth concerning the endless question so many have, especially those poor souls who are "image" driven.

Our first tidbit comes from a slave who told many stories, usually in the form of a fable but each conveyed a timeless truth.

"Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth."

The most ardent, knowledgeable and erudite Christian I know cannot successfully argue with this wisdom from Aesop. I don't think Aesop was arguing against looking nice when out in public, but unlike many today, he was simply saying there is no need to be a basket case worrying about "What will they think of my dress or suit?" Truth be known what we wear will really only impress people who are impressed with what they are wearing and if what you are wearing is much above or below they will, prior to knowing much else about you, simply write you off as a hick or ostentatious snob.

Aesop knew that true inner worth will be there when all else is stripped away. John the Revelator had a deep inner worth so strong that while dressed the common covering of Patmos Prisoners of that era, which he received via his mother, Christ appeared to him and John was so in the spirit that outer garments are not mentioned concerning his attire. We all to some degree are forced to deal with the outside, but to do this while not getting wrapped up in putting on a show or as we used to say in the poverty pocket where I grew up, "Putten on the dog."

On the other hand we must move about in society and we will be misunderstood if we are attired in Patmos clothing. What to wear?

Shakespeare helps in this choice and I think it is good advice:

"Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy;
For the apparel oft proclaims the man."
Hamlet. Act i. Sc. 3.

I speared this note years ago when I heard Cavett Robert speaking at a large convention and it makes sense. Knowing that certain Bard aficionados will ask, I included the site. More on Cavett. http://www.cavettrobert.com/about_cavett.htm

Truth be known, no matter how we wrap the package, what is inside will out. That's why it is so important to truly harbor Christ in your heart and live in such a way that His radiance shines through no matter the fashionable or less so trappings outside. I like how Peter puts this as the image envelopes both men and women. 1Pe 3:4:

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2011 Use with credit

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