While directing traffic around a paint spill I had caused; I thought about how embarrassed I would have been in my earlier years. That was when I was concerned about what other people thought about me. What would they think about the paint in my hair and on my clothing and that I was sweaty and stinky?

Since that time, I’ve grown up and understand that it doesn’t matter what other people think about me or even what I think about myself. It matters what God thinks about me! (And the only way to figure that out is by studying the Word of God).

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he wrote;

What about me? Have I been a good servant? Well, I don’t worry over what you think about this, or what anyone else thinks, I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscious is clear, but even that isn’t final proof. It is the Lord Himself who must examine me and decide. So be careful not to jump to conclusions as to whether someone is a good servant or not. When the Lord comes, He will turn on the light so that everyone can see exactly what each one of us is really like, deep down in our hearts. Then everyone will know why we have been doing the Lord’s work. At that time God will give to each one whatever praise is coming to him. Ch. 4:3-5 (The Living Bible)

Father God, Help me to be like Paul and have a servant’s heart. You continue to clean me up from the inside out and show me daily who I am in You. Thank you for loving me like You do. Help me to have listening ears and an open heart and mind towards Your Truth. Amen.