Do we spend too much time on what people see on the outside rather than knowing our hearts?

on Nov 20, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My entire family is overweight, and recent news from the FDA has convinced us to turn this around; however, I’m noticing now that instead of having an obsession with eating, we are obsessing about our appearance. My teenage girls want desperately to be accepted by their peers for the wrong reasons. Do we as a society spend too much time on emphasizing what people see on the outside rather than letting others know our hearts, our thoughts, our hopes and our dreams? – I.O.

A: There are various reasons why people obsess about outward appearances. Some people feel no one will ever love them unless they have a certain physical attraction. Others may even feel that they cannot like themselves or have any self-respect unless they conform to society’s idea of acceptable stature. The culture often puts far too much emphasis on such things.

However, taking proper care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually is important. After all, the Bible says, “Honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20, NLT). Our goal should be to please God, not to spend time worrying if other people will accept us. There’s something liberating about knowing that God loves us just as we are. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV).

When people struggle with weight gain or weight loss, it’s important to seek medical help and then bring all cares to the Lord. Jesus Christ sacrificed His very body and His precious blood to cover man’s sin, and He desires all people to be reconciled to Him, and then He provides what we need to live acceptable lives in a world filled with sorrow and disappointments. We can never go wrong when we bring our deepest cares to Him through prayer and obedience.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)