SEPTEMBER 7, John 7:24

“I can’t believe it!” Brenda exclaimed as she watched a TV show. “Seems like the main character has everything she could want. She’s gorgeous, she’s talented, she’s rich, she’s famous, and...”

“And she has spoiled her life by using drugs, and now she’s been arrested,” said Brenda’s mother, shaking her head. “How sad!”

“Yeah... but I still wish I looked like her!” said Brenda. “I’d say she’s a good example of the fact that looks can be deceiving,” Mom replied, opening the refrigerator. “Oh, dear, where is the jar of beet roots we bought last week?”

“Mmm” said Brenda, “Thought I placed them in the fridge last week?” Brenda realized she had forgotten and found them near the cupboard. “I love the color of these beets, especially the juice!” she exclaimed as she held up the jar at a sunny window. “Just look at them! Aren’t they pretty?” Mom laughed.

“It is a pretty color,” she agreed as she took the jar and opened it. “Oh, no!” she exclaimed. “This lid wasn’t sealed and it hasn’t been in the fridge. We’d better not eat these beets. They may have gone bad.”

“But they look just fine,” said Brenda.
“They may look okay, but when the lid isn’t sealed, bacteria can get in. We’re not going to take any chances,” Mom replied, and she began to pour the contents of the jar into the garbage bin. “If they’re spoiled, they could cause serious food poisoning.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Brenda. “Then I’m glad you noticed that it wasn’t sealed.”
“You know, dear, those beets remind me of Jennifer Taylor,” said Mom. “She’s beautiful and talented, and to many people, her life looked perfect but Satan was spreading his poison in her life through the drugs she took and the company she keeps.”

"You’re saying that like the beets, she looks good,” said Brenda thoughtfully, “and ... like how bacteria can spoil the beets when they get in, Jennifer Taylor got spoiled when sin got into her heart. Right?”

“Yes,” agreed Mom. “Things like those beets can look good when they’re bad. People are like that, too. They may look good on the outside, but only God knows what’s going on in their hearts.”

Thought: Do I remember that appearances can be deceiving?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for making me who I am. Help me to be contented with how I look. Please help me to realise that what is more important is a heart of obedience to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.