Jesus Sees the Heart
Before I began my journalism career at Charisma magazine I taught high school in an upper middle-class neighborhood. I had thought that if I genuinely loved teenagers and desired to see lost souls won to Jesus, I would find a few students who were ready to repent and make decisions for Christ.
But I was in for a shock when I walked into that high school.
While the students shuffled through the hallways between classes, some of my students would stop by my room to say hello. Their mouths glistened with the bling that pierced their tongues, and others wore Gothic-style black cloaks and thick, gory makeup.
These students had a sinister appearance, but I knew that inside they were screaming for acceptance and love. Man looks on the outward appearance, but God sees the heart.
One student in particular—I’ll call her Caylee—captured my heart and my prayers. One day she came to class wearing a black, lace-trimmed slip with knee-hi socks and a cardigan. Of course, I had to send her to the dean's office.
But Caylee eventually opened up to me on a different occasion and told me about a tragedy that had struck her family. She had been caught in the crossfire of that situation and felt completely hopeless and unloved.
To deal with her grief she cut her beautiful blonde hair, dyed it black and traded in her cute clothes for racy lingerie. Then she joined a rock band.
I learned a lot from Caylee. She taught me that those of us who follow Jesus should focus on people's spiritual needs, not their appearance, the gangster rap they listen to or with whom they hang around.
Jesus' life was characterized by His compassion for hurting people. He came for the sick. He shed His blood for drug dealers, CEOs, the woman next door, prostitutes and countless others. Then after He rose from the dead, He gave a simple command: "Go."
Never mind what you see when you look into the face of a person who doesn't know Jesus. Just go! Strike up a conversation. Witness for Him. Tell her how much the Father loves her, and then pray with her.
We don't have any time to lose. The Caylees of this world are waiting for us.
But I was in for a shock when I walked into that high school.
While the students shuffled through the hallways between classes, some of my students would stop by my room to say hello. Their mouths glistened with the bling that pierced their tongues, and others wore Gothic-style black cloaks and thick, gory makeup.
These students had a sinister appearance, but I knew that inside they were screaming for acceptance and love. Man looks on the outward appearance, but God sees the heart.
One student in particular—I’ll call her Caylee—captured my heart and my prayers. One day she came to class wearing a black, lace-trimmed slip with knee-hi socks and a cardigan. Of course, I had to send her to the dean's office.
But Caylee eventually opened up to me on a different occasion and told me about a tragedy that had struck her family. She had been caught in the crossfire of that situation and felt completely hopeless and unloved.
To deal with her grief she cut her beautiful blonde hair, dyed it black and traded in her cute clothes for racy lingerie. Then she joined a rock band.
I learned a lot from Caylee. She taught me that those of us who follow Jesus should focus on people's spiritual needs, not their appearance, the gangster rap they listen to or with whom they hang around.
Jesus' life was characterized by His compassion for hurting people. He came for the sick. He shed His blood for drug dealers, CEOs, the woman next door, prostitutes and countless others. Then after He rose from the dead, He gave a simple command: "Go."
Never mind what you see when you look into the face of a person who doesn't know Jesus. Just go! Strike up a conversation. Witness for Him. Tell her how much the Father loves her, and then pray with her.
We don't have any time to lose. The Caylees of this world are waiting for us.
posted by Valerie G. Lowe at
11:39 AM
5 Comments:
What a beautiful story of how you witnessed to this girl. I struggle greatly with judging people when I know I should be testifying for Him. It is true that we may be the only Jesus that some people will ever meet. Thank you for the encouragement to testify to others.
Thsnk you for the reminder of our purpose on this earth. I am in a situation where I am witnessing to a 21 yr old male. Some days he gets under my skin but thank you for reminding me that it is not about what I think or feel but it is about the love of Christ that he needs to see in me!!!
After a long frustrating day in social services with teenagers in foster care situations, I needed this reminder as to why I'm in it. Thanks!
My boyfriend's eldest daughter could be your Caylee. Thank you for what you had to say and reminding me that truly, the love of God makes all the difference-whether we see it in front of us or not. Be blessed.
Yes, I minister to many people as Gaylee. I remember when I was almost like Gaylee.
There are many Gaylees, but we are to love them and love them. Most of us were a Gaylee.
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