PLEASING OUTLOOK
……………..A child that has in him the ability to stand in
the King’s palace…. For man look on the outward appearance.(Daniel 1:4 , 1 Sam.16:7).
The dignity of a
man is revealed in the strength of his clothing. You are addressed by how you
dress. It called personality test. Your appearance communicate your self
imagine.When Daniel and the three Hebrew boys were taken to Babylon, one of the
major requirements to work in the King’s palace at that time was your stature
and physical outlook. Nebuchadnezzar was looking for men and women who had in
them the ability to stand in the Kings place. Royalty demands strict protocol.
The young Hebrew boys knew how to observe protocol and relates to kings. They
had already passed state protocol examination. The requirement of state
protocol includes dressing and clothing, joy and enthusiasm, language and
communication and international relations.
Appear good at all times!
Daniel had
already passed the test of physical appearance. Though he was a captive from a
war torn zone, he still purposed in his heart to appear good at all times. Most
people have still not learnt the place of physical appearance in protocol and
statesmanship and corporate life. Men judge by physical appearance. Appearance
is vital. General outlook is crucial. Your appearance determines the flow of
people and blessings that come your way.
You can be a
shepherd in the wilderness today, but when God brings you out of the wilderness
do not walk in town as a nomad. Walk as a king. Walk as a priest. Most people
have still not learnt to keep a well shaved beard, wear cologne and nice
perfume. Others have still not learnt to press even their shirts! It counts. It
is a weightier matter. Many people, unknowing to them, have been denied of many
promotion and many good things in life because of their appearance. In his book
ZaphnathPaaneah, Albert Ocran, pointed out that “Joseph would have been denied
an entrance into the King’s Palace had he not shaved before going there. He
would not have been granted an audience had he not changed his clothes”
(paraphrased). Wear prison clothes in prison and put priestly cloth in the
palace. Be ready at all times to match up to the standard. It gives you self-respect
and favor from men.
Clothes
represent honour and authority. What you put on displays the strength of your
dignity, honor and authority. That is why the Military and Police services are
very particular about their uniforms. It carries a message of power and
authority. The bible says Jacob put on Joseph the robe of many colors (Gen 37:
3). That is symbolic of the blessing of the first born and the birth right.
There is power in the cloth we put on. That is why the Roman soldiers could cut
into pieces and distribute the robe of Jesus (Matt 27: 31,35).
They knew he was
wearing no cheap clothes. Learn to wear proper clothes suitable for every
occasion. Let me quickly add that in this current days of unsightly fads and
fashion, be selective and choosy with your clothes. Do not follow unnecessary
and shameful fashion. Keep it simply descent. Wear only clothes that is
becoming of a King and a queen. Some people do not know that they place a
limitation on their destinies by wearing all those Babylonian addresses. Dare
to be different. Daniel chose to be different and that earned him a place in
the Palace. Decency pays. Righteousness is rewarding. Godliness is great gain.
Maintain continuous joy
That young man,
Daniel, aspired to be great. He carefully learnt these skills. He learnt how to
walk with the great and how to serve the great. He knew that protocol demands
cheerfulness and joy as the hallmark of every one aspiring for the good life.
He was so obsessed with living a joyful life. He knew joy is contagious. Joy is
magnetic. A joyful person naturally attracts joyful events in his life. In
those days it was required of servants to be joyful. A servant is not permitted
to be moody. Daniel had these qualities already operating in him and so he was
easily selected when the opportunity presented itself. The bible says with joy
shall thou draw water. Joyful people always attract positive and joyful events
to themselves.
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