While we spend so much time looking acceptable on the outside we often forget to develop and grow our hearts.

Proverbs 17:1-28

Reference:  v.3  The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  As I mentioned yesterday, I have recently watched the movie 7 Pounds.  The character Ben searches out people who have integrity.  That means that they're not just nice to their friends or patient when everything is going well but it means that they are good people, even when no one is watching.

Application:  Integrity is a great indicator of what is going on in our hearts.  If we are only good, honest and caring people at selective times then it means we are trying to gain something at those times and the thoughtfulness is not coming from a good heart.  God's first priority for us is not how good our job is, how well-behaved our children are, or how great we look in the latest fashion.  People look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16.7)  While we spend so much time looking acceptable on the outside we often forget to develop and grow our hearts.  And that's where Proverbs is so important because the wisdom held in this book gives us advice on how to improve our hearts, not our outward appearances.

Prayer:  Lord, our current culture tells us so many ways that we can present ourselves better and yet You look straight to our hearts.  May we dedicate our time to make our heart more appealing to You rather than our outward appearances appealing to others.  Amen.

How much time each day would you spend on improving your outward appearance?  How much time each day would you spend on improving your heart?