Today's Thoughts
by Tommy Keith

Tommy Keith

When God measures a man, He puts the tape around the heart instead of the head.

…the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

President Lincoln had an appealing way to laugh at himself, especially his own appearance. When Senator Stephen Douglas once called him a "two-faced man", Lincoln responded, "I'll leave that to my audience. If I had another face, do you think I would wear this one?"

Another time he told a group of editors about meeting a woman riding on horseback in the woods. She looked at him and said, "I do believe that you are the ugliest man I have ever seen". I told her, "Madam, you're probably right, but I can't help it." "No", she said, "Maybe you can't, but you sure could stay home".

Although his likeness is widely recognized, Lincoln is not known primarily for his appearance, but his courageous stand for restoration of the Union and his remarkable examples of patience, determination, dedication, strong will, compassion, thoughtfulness, and selflessness. These inner qualities are what mark Lincoln as one of the greatest presidents of America.

So much is made in our culture today of outward appearance and material possessions. We would do well to remember that it is our virtuous inner qualities that create a lasting reputation.

Rev. Tommy Keith is the Pastor of Calvary Worship Center at 3414 Pat Colwell Road, Blairsville.