Psalm 27:4 is a favorite of many. It reads, "One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple." (Psalms 27:4, NKJV)
The phrase "…to behold the beauty of the LORD…" to me sounds like is an egotistical, narcissistic monster who wants everyone to stare at Him and be overawed at His physical characteristics. Most Bibles translate the Hebrew with those same words.
It seems that this passage is not speaking of God's physical form, rather it refers to His character. It is not His physical beauty we are to admire but His character, His personality, and His way of life. It is just comforting and pleasant to be around Him.
Physical beauty is not to be the judge of a person (Proverbs 31:30, Proverbs 6:25, Proverbs 11:22, 2 Samuel 14:25), but their character, personality, is (1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Peter 3:4, John 7:24). A pretentious lifestyle or look is not commended (Isaiah 3:16, Proverbs 30:13).
Some of God's character traits are found in Exodus 34:6, 1 Timothy 1:17 and Jude 25. Some traits worth admiring as love (John 3:16), peace (Philippians 4:7), wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:7), knowledge (Romans 11:33), just (Deuteronomy 32:4), merciful (Ephesians 2:4), strong (1 Corinthians 1:25), helpful (Jude 1:24), compassionate (James 5:11), keeps His promises (Proverbs 30:5), and doesn't lie (Titus 1:2).
These are not only worth admiring but traits we should be developing into our character. This happens by reading/studying the Bible, prayer, fellowship with other, being taught, confession of sin, and humility.
No comments:
Post a Comment