1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
What of Today’s Verse
Have you ever wondered how many friends you may have lost simply by judging them on their first appearance or impression? I’m amazed at how the first impression very seldom tells us much of substance about another. We’re not really going to be able to evaluate people properly until the Lord reveals at judgment what is really in their heart. Don’t you think that we should give them time for their heart to show before we make a decision about them, too?!
Prayer:
Father, who alone knows each heart, help me, be more patient with others before forming an opinion about them. Please give me eyes to see them as Jesus does. Through him I pray. Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Let me tell you about the middle path. Dressing in rough and dirty garments, letting your hair grow matted, abstaining from eating any meat or fish, does not cleanse the one who is deluded. Mortifying the flesh through excessive hardship does not lead to a triumph over the senses. All self-inflicted suffering is useless as long as the feeling of self is dominant.
You should lose your involvement with yourself and then eat and drink naturally, according to the needs of your body. Attachment to your appetites—whether you deprive or indulge them—can lead to slavery, but satisfying the needs of daily life is not wrong. Indeed, to keep a body in good health is a duty, for otherwise the mind will not stay strong and clear.
This is the middle path.
