(a 4 minute read) So I have a beard that forms a specific shape that is different. Kind of like the beard on the Head Game-maker from the original Hunger game 😀   No, no, not like that, but I’d like to think that in some way it is distinctive.

Although I have had it in this same form for ions, it seems, I have to pay attention when I shave so that it does not get messed up.  But it seems natural to do so and not time consuming. I tell myself that I am not thinking about it as I shave. I continue to tell myself that my hand just flows in certain directions and voila there it is. One time a new acquaintance asked me how long does it take me to shave? I actually felt a bit uneasy, and my response was “I do not even think about it when I do it!”

That was a lie. Why am I trying to justify this? Is there something wrong in doing something to look distinctive? If you ask my wife, she’d tell you I look distinctive alright the way I match my clothes 😀   No, seriously, what’s wrong with that??

When someone does something to appear distinctive unique attractive nice-looking cute appealing pleasant striking or eye-catching it is an effort to raise one’s self-esteem! Correct?

Let me put it this way; If I have a pimple zit blemish on my face, I find myself continually checking it out. Is it better?? Is it worse??             Why do I do that??

To look distinctive or check a zit, that’s not Vanity, is it??

To answer this question, let’s use a yard-stick method. Today’s Yard-Stick is from
Vanity @1 to HIA (Humility-In-Appearance) @10.

Let’s define HIA. As Jesus walks by a pond, not even a thought crosses his mind to check out his reflection. Please do not check out of this conversation just cause I used Jesus as an example.

But that’s Jesus!……….. But that’s why it’s a 10 on the Yard-Stick!

Back to the question; To look distinctive or check a zit, that’s not Vanity, is it??

From my perspective, I will say it is not Vanity @1 but possibly Self-absorbed @2…….

I dot dot dot because in my mind I just went no, no, no way…… Me shaving this way is @2 on the vanity scale!!! My next thought right now is; then I will shave it………..
If I do, then I’ve just checked one thing off and now I am OK……….
No more Vanity…………

But is that what it is??

I think it goes one step further!

Not sure if you remember the term ‘Resistance Is Futile’. In case you do not, it is from Star Trek. The follow up to ‘Resistance is Futile’ is the ominous
‘You will be ASSIMILATED’.

I have been assimilated into accepting that My Vanity is NOT REALLY VANITY………….. and worse yet; “I do believe that resistance in this matter is futile”, so I have come to truly believe within my inner being that;
MY vanities are NOT REAL vanities…………

Me, you and the other person tend to just want to check stuff off. It is one way or the other. This is Vanity or this is NOT Vanity, and it is over. IT IS EASY this way.
No Headaches. Talking about Yard-Sticks is laden with headaches.

Is Self-Absorbed @2 and Self-Centered @3 or is it the other way around!?

Then I get trapped into the SCALING of the Yard-Stick and not freed by the Yard-Stick PRINCIPAL.

Synonyms;

Vanity Conceit Selfish Arrogance Self-Seeking Pride Egotism Self-Absorbed

and additional synonyms are;

Snobbery Smugness Self-Importance Superiority

Yes, it takes more thought, headachy if you may, but the FREEDOM from you are;
EITHER – OR – and Nothing in between, is debilitating!

To move closer and closer to #4, whatever you want to label #4, on the scale of HIA,
I first need to believe that it is a Yard-Stick and not an Either-Or.

When I start using a Yard-Stick PRINCIPAL in all matters of LIFE, then I am starting to inch closer to HUMILITY in ALL MATTERS and not just Humility-In-Appearance.

My Lord and my Maker, guide me to examine my life. Not to jump into removing some vanities and just check things off. Rather take a moment and admit to myself; “Hmmm, yes, this is vanity.” Then “Hmmm, yes, that is vanity.” This will then help me to look for the Yard-Stick PRINCIPAL and hope to inch my way a small bit here and a small bit there. All along knowing that You are by my side, NOT judging me rather holding me up and proud of my attempts. Also, may this Yard-Stick help me be more and more accepting of OTHERS as they, just like me are somewhere on this Yard-Stick and not at either END. i love You and am so very thankful for Your sensed presence my Creator. Amen.