OUR LITTLE friend has fixed up quite a camera with his box, paper cylinders and coat. And his sister is posing as carefully and earnestly as if she were sitting before a real photographer and a real camera.
When you go to a photographer he takes a picture of your face. Some people have pretty faces and like to give their photographs to friends.
Do you know of anyone who can take a picture of your heart? No photographer has the power to do that. And if he had, which of you would wish your friends to see all the unkind and naughty thoughts that such a picture would show?
Many years ago, a dear Christian who is now with the Lord, was asked by a friend for his photograph. He replied that his picture was to be found in the third chapter of Romans.
If you read this chapter you will see what the heart is by nature. God is not speaking there of SOME hearts, but of ALL.
We are all sinners—all alike in God’s sight—all unfit for God’s presence, unless our sins have been washed away in the blood of Jesus.
You may have a beautiful face, but that cannot save you. God looks at the heart.
Do not think, either, that because you are better than some of your neighbors that your good works will bring you salvation. You must see what a wicked heart you have, and that only the blood of Christ can wipe out those dark stains of sin.
If your sins are washed away, and you are seeking to please the Lord in all your ways, you are beautiful in God’s sight, even though your face be most homely. And that is far better than to have a pretty face, with a heart that has no love for the blessed Saviour.
ML 04/10/1904