1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." INTRODUCTION God judges by faith and character, not appearances. And because only God can see on the inside, only he can accurately judge people. Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; they should do even more to develop their inner character. While everyone can see your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like. What steps are you taking to improve your heart's attitude? [Life Application SB] COMMENTARY PEARL "This diamond is from my grandmother's wedding ring." I handed the heirloom to the jeweler. "My aunt had it reset in this contemporary design, but I'd like a vintage setting reflective of the year my grandparents were married, 1929." The jeweler peered through a loupe to inspect the stone. "This diamond is over one hundred years old," she said. "Gemcutters stopped cutting like this in 1918." She explained the bottom was flat instead of pointed like modern stones, so it didn't sparkle as brilliantly as it could if it were faceted rather than flat. Oh no! Was the diamond worthless? The jeweler must have sensed my concern. She assured me the stone was unique, complimenting its color and clarity, even as she spotted inclusions beneath the surface that I couldn't see. Then she recommended a lovely white gold filigree setting, cast from an original 1920s wedding ring. It was perfect. Unlike the jeweler, Jesus doesn't need a loupe to see the inclusions hidden by my outward sparkle. He knows the history that shaped me, the brokenness that colors me, and the imperfections that cloud my clarity. But Jesus doesn't call me flawed. He calls me redeemed. I have great value to Him. I'm a gem He is polishing, a light in the darkness. I want to shine brilliantly for Him. Karen Sargent Faith Step: Ask Jesus to inspect your heart and reveal what He sees. Identify facets that have lost their luster and choose one. What do you need so that facet can shine brighter for Him? [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] YOUR COMMENTS If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or testimony on this passage of Scripture, either personal or otherwise, I would be interested in hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred Gibbs