Monday, May 4, 2020
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The Deceptiveness of Appearances: A Prayer for Honesty
The wisdom of the humble lifts their heads high . . .
We gain in wisdom when we walk humbly with our God.
And seats them among the great . . .
We become strong in the Holy Spirit when we become weak for Christ.
Do not praise individuals for their good looks . . .
Our looks and vitality are gifts from the creator.
Do not loathe anyone because of the appearance alone . . .
Our hunger for the fleeting exterior will never satisfy the pangs we feel.
Do not boast about wearing fine clothes . . .
We may try to deceive others by dressing up and dressing over what we do not want to change.
Do not exalt yourself when you are honored . . .
We cannot deceive God by claiming what is not our own.
For the works of the Lord are wonderful . . .
True and lasting happiness comes from persevering with what is right rather than what we want.
And God’s works are concealed from humankind . . .
We cannot know the mind of God.
Many rulers have been utterly disgraced . . .
We cannot will or force something to happen.
And the honored have been handed over to others.
The truth always comes out in the end.
Heavenly Father, Brother on Earth, Lover Spirit . . . guide us in remembering that appearances are often a facade . . . both those we see and those we create. Help us to live lives of integrity and truth. Abide with us as we struggle to take down the walls behind which we and others might hide. Teach us how to move into the light of honesty so that we might become one with you. And protect us from all deception. We pray this in your name. Amen.
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Image from: http://www.quotesvalley.com/quotes/honesty/
Written on October 8, 2009 and posted today.
The Noontimes 