Latest Devotion
The Ugly Orange Stone
By: Wendy Sanders
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there will be confusion and every kind of evil. James 3:16 (ERV)
Back in the day, the best place to find a special gift for someone was at the mall. When I was six, my mom took me to the mall to help her buy a special ring for someone. When we got to the jewelry kiosk, my mom asked to see the rings sized for children and smiled. For me? She was getting a ring for me! I could hardly contain my joy, and I was thrilled beyond belief.
But they only had two rings. One had a light blue stone that I loved, and the other had an orange stone that seemed ugly. I really wanted the blue one, but when I asked mom who the ring was for, she said "a little girl in my Sunday school class." I was devastated... That was MY ring, not some other girl’s. With jealousy (and outright meanness), I told my mom, "I think the orange one looks better." That was my way of making sure no one else got "my" ring. If I couldn’t have it, then she couldn't either. I was proud of my plan, but I was also angry that I wasn’t going home with that ring on my finger.
I was miffed the rest of the week every time I saw that ring box. Sunday finally came, but it wasn’t just any Sunday, it was the day I was scheduled to be baptized. To get ready for my baptism, I skipped Sunday school, so I didn’t get to see who got that ugly, orange ring. I didn’t really care, but I remember thinking: "at least she didn’t get my real favorite, the blue one." When fleshly desires take control of our thoughts, the condition of our heart will be revealed.
I got dressed after my baptism and we were almost ready to leave. Then, mom said she had a special gift for me. As you've probably guessed, it was the ring with the orange stone! I remember standing there in shock as I realized how jealous, mean, and ugly my heart was. To me, my six-year-old heart seemed uglier than the orange stone, which made me want to cry.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
Do you have a story like mine from your past? Don't get discouraged, we've all done things we're not proud of. But what about right now? Is there anything you're desiring that doesn't align with God's principles? If there is, ask the Lord to help you get rid of it!