Do we truly believe that we can make ourselves more desirable than we really
are? Do clothes really make us attractive? If we think so, we are missing the
boat. Trying to be attractive so that people notice us is a waste of time. We
are only made genuinely attractive by our actions of love, by following in the
steps of our Heavenly Father. Either we are genuine, or we are simply
pretending.
It's true though that we were far from attractive when we wandered in utter
darkness; however, once we encountered the Risen One face to face, our existence
charged direction. We received a new wardrobe from high above.
"Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is
custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now
obsolete. . . So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the
wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength,
discipline." Colossians 3:10,12 (MSG) This is how we know that we have met The Risen One. Only then are we comparable
with the beauty of flowers that far exceeds the beautiful of fashion.
What's the better choice: To be fashionable, or to live a genuine life filled
with love?
It was Mother's Day, and the visiting missionary had brought pearl necklaces
made in Bangladesh. The price was 40$. 20$ for the cost of the pearls, and 20$
to help the people of Bangladesh. I looked at my wife and said: "It's Mother's
Day. Let me give you a necklace."
She was overwhelmed. She had never owned a pearl necklace before, and by the end
of the service she had decided not to get one. She would give the 40$ solely to
help the people in Bangladesh.
I looked into her eyes and told her: "Here is another 20$. Get that necklace and
give the rest for the people of Bangladesh. I love you!"
My wife is beautiful with or without the pearls. Why? Because she has a heart
for God. Now that's a real compliment!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.