Manicured Lawns...Sunday Faces

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."  1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Things aren't always as they appear...neither are people's hearts.

When you walk or ride past lovely homes with perfectly manicured lawns, don't you think that it's natural to assume that what's on the inside is equally in exceptional order?  That the decor matches that of one you would see in Better Homes and Gardens, is meticulously clean, and the family inside "has it all together" too?

As you mingle with those at church, all nicely "made-up" and smiles on their faces, do you tend to think that their lives are equally lovely...and trouble free?  Do you even wish that you could be more like them and enjoy the life they live?

You just never know what's going on "on the inside"...what struggles lurk within. 

Just ponder that and pray.  Just as Luke tells us in Acts 2:42, "Devote [your]selves to the apostles' (pastor's, teacher's) teaching, and to the fellowship (small groups, Sunday School, social gatherings...experiencing life with them), to the breaking of bread (more fellowship...with food!) and to prayer."  Be tender toward the Word, and to the Spirit's whispers. 

Be careful not to assume.  Be careful not to judge...positively or negatively.  Instead, be "faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

Lord, give us discerning hearts.  Guide us as we pray.  Help us to see beyond outward appearances, and pray for what's within.  Help us all as we walk this journey of life...with its joys and its trials...to be encouraged in Your Word, and to share that encouragement with others and continually lift them to you in prayer.