The Mirror of the Word by C.E. White can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Word-Devotions-Reveal-Refine/dp/B0DFZS83C7  To learn more about this author and other works, visit https://cewhitebooks.com/

“For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

—1 Samuel 16:7

This truth is such a comfort because we know the Lord sees our desire to serve him when it seems the world doesn’t notice.

But it’s also sobering because we cannot fake a heart for him. What looks like beautiful service to God to those around us may be flowing from a heart full of pride or fear of man’s opinion. Our motives are always front and center with the Lord.

Our world is obsessed with how the “outside” things look—performance, success, appearance, fashion, or the latest décor trends. But much of the most valuable work can’t be seen from the outside, or perhaps can’t be seen from the outside for a very long time.

Our spiritual and emotional growth, our healing from old hurts, and our integrity in the small things the Lord has given us to do each day are all largely invisible to those around us. But the Lord sees, and they are the most important parts of our lives.

Like David—the shepherd boy forgotten in the fields until Samuel called for him—our lives and work may not be seen or valued by others, but the Lord sees and honors a heart for him.

May we never get so focused on outward appearance that we neglect the heart, and may we be willing to let go of the things that look impressive to those around us when the pursuit of God requires it.

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