The flattering portrait - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Each one's work will become clear; for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed.
1 Corinthians 3:13.

The flattering portrait
Tourists were wandering through the streets of Paris. At one corner they stopped to watch an artist painting a portrait of a stranger. The artist completed his work, and the customer went off with the picture. A woman then said to the painter, "Your portrait was more beautiful than the woman really was. "Madam," replied the artist with a smile, "If that were not the case, no-one would want a picture of himself. It must always look a bit younger and more charming, otherwise people wouldn't want it. In this respect they like to make fools of themselves."

That does not apply to ladies alone. People like to be flattered, not only because of their appearance, but also regarding their personality. Then they are self-satisfied, and imagine God should approve of them, too. But God says in his Word:

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1 John 1:8.10).

Those who assert such a thing have a high opinion of themselves. But their self-deceit has grave consequences. It is much more sensible to acknowledge the facts and do what God's Word states in relation to this:

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Today's reading: Leviticus 13:45-59 · Psalms 60:1-5