Opening Verse
“For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, KJV)
Introduction
It’s easy to feel jealous of others sometimes. We see someone who seems to have it all—popularity, success, and admiration—and we think that if we act like them or look like them, we can have the same life. But what we often forget is that it’s not the outward appearance that truly draws people in. It’s something deeper.
Devotional Story
There was once a young man who admired his friend. This friend seemed to have everything—a great job, many friends, and everyone loved being around him. The young man thought to himself, “If only I could dress like him, speak like him, and do the things he does, then I will be liked too.”
So he started copying everything. He bought the same clothes, adopted the same mannerisms, and even tried to say the same things. But to his surprise, people didn’t react the same way. Instead of drawing people closer, they seemed distant and unsure around him.
After weeks of frustration, he finally asked his friend, “Why isn’t this working for me? I’ve done everything you do, but I still feel invisible.”
His friend smiled kindly and said, “It’s not the clothes or the way I talk that make people want to be around me. It’s the love in my heart for them. I genuinely care about people, and that’s what they respond to.”
What This Means
We often get caught up in appearances, thinking that if we can mimic someone’s outside, we will gain what they have. But God reminds us in His Word that He doesn’t look at the outside—He looks at the heart. What truly attracts others is a heart filled with love, kindness, and sincerity. If we focus on becoming the person God created us to be, instead of copying others, we will find that the right people are drawn to us naturally.
Think About This
- Have you ever tried to copy someone else, thinking it would make you more popular or successful?
- What qualities of your heart can you focus on that reflect the love of Christ?
- How can you be more genuine with those around you?
Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to remember that You care more about my heart than my outward appearance. Teach me to love others from a sincere heart, and to be the person You created me to be, not a copy of someone else. Fill me with Your love and kindness so that I may draw people closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Verse
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34, KJV)