Open any Web site and they’re there. Open many magazines and they’re there. Open the newspaper and they’re there. They’re a subject of all-consuming importance, and we need to pay attention. That’s what all these information sources are proclaiming.

Writers are spending their time examining them, explaining them, exploring the significance of them, and telling us how we, too, can have them. Surely, they are something that will change the course of history.

At no other time in the history of this country have they been so very critical. I’m amazed that President Barack Obama has not been coerced to answer questions about them by any one of the reporters intensely questioning him during his many news conferences. Were I one of those reporters, I would query: “Mr. President, can you explain to the American people how your wife developed her amazing arms?

“And, Mr. President, I have a follow-up: Do you have any plans to use them in the defense of our nation?”

Michelle Obama’s arms have become the central focus of her role as first lady of the United States. Baring them often by wearing sleeveless attire, Mrs. Obama has proffered the press an opportunity to go where no other press corps has gone before.

Interestingly enough, I recently led a Sunday school discussion on the difference between superficiality and substance. We examined the ways in which we judge people -- by what they wear, by what they look like, by how they talk, by where they live and other truly important factors.

Then we looked at how the Scriptures tell us God examines people. In the course of choosing the young shepherd David to be the future king of Israel, God chose not to look at his stature, for he was small compared to his older brothers. God chose not to look at his status, for David was the youngest of the sons of Jesse; in fact, when presenting his sons, Jesse actually forgot about David. God chose not to look at his standing; David was a mere shepherd boy who spent most of his time alone, tending to animals.

God instead looked into David’s heart. God looked on the inside, deep within, where who we are is determined by the more substantive measurements of character, integrity, honor and purpose.

Michelle Obama’s finely toned arms are superficial. So are yours and mine. It’s not what our arms look like that matters. It’s what we do with them that gives them substance. More than a body part to be displayed and admired, arms have several far greater purposes.

Our arms are intended to reach out. We use them physically to open doors, and we need to recall that image when we encounter people who are lonely or in despair, who are new to a job or a community, who are impaired or ill. Rather than holding them clenched to our sides, we need to give substance to our arms by reaching out.

Our arms are intended to embrace. We use them physically to hold a load of laundry, and we need to recall that image when we encounter people who need to be held. A warm embrace of loving arms can be all the comfort and encouragement another person needs.

Our arms are intended to provide stability. We use them to steady ourselves when we’re climbing a ladder. We need to use that image to remind us that people who are going through life-changing circumstances may need our arms to provide a small portion of the balance for which they long.

Our arms are intended to lift up. I frequently raise my arms to shelve books in the library where I work. I can recall that image when I remember that someone I know needs a lift while confronting challenging decisions or crises of confidence.

The superficiality of arms is what they look like. The substance of arms is what we do with them. Let’s use them wisely.

Harris Murray may be reached at writeharris55@yahoo.com

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