“... the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7
What does God see when He looks at you? Is He bothered by physical blemishes? Is He disappointed if your hair isn't combed correctly? Is He troubled if your clothes get dirty?
Many of these things matter to us. We take great care with our outward appearance. Whether we're going to work, church or the doctor's office, we make it a point to dress appropriately. We don't want others thinking that we look like something that crawled out of a garbage dump. For most of us, it is important what others think of us and what they perceive us to be.
But do we ever care about what God sees? If we put more concern into pleasing Him than we do impressing others, things would be drastically different in our lives. You see, God is more interested in the state of your heart than in the style of your clothes. He cares about the tenderness and receptivity of your heart than your fashion taste.
When you go to church, you probably spend time in preparation. You take a shower, comb your hair and put on nice clothes. But do you prepare your heart for worship? You may have the proper appearance, but is your heart ready to meet with the saints and praise the Lord?
When Samuel was sent to anoint a king, Jesse presented his sons. Outwardly, each one seemed to be a good candidate. The problem was that God didn't choose any of them. Finally, Samuel said, “Do you have any other sons?” Jesse said he had one more son. When David was brought before Samuel, God told Samuel that David was His choice.
Think about it for a moment. Jesse did not have any confidence that his son, David, was a suitable man for the job. Maybe Samuel thought the same thing. That's what prompted God to say, “... the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” God liked what He saw in David. Jesse only looked externally and felt that his other sons were more qualified. God looked at the heart and knew that David was His man.
It is sad when people look down on others. Perhaps you've been guilty. Maybe you've thought, “This person will never amount to anything.” Such a statement is made because only the external can be seen. We underestimate what God may do with that person. Jesse underestimated what God could do with his son, David.
You may be underestimating what God can do with you. You may have a limited education. You may have limited gifts and talents. Others may seem stronger, smarter or more attractive. Yet these things aren't impressive to God. It is the heart that matters most.
The hectic schedule we face makes it difficult to deal with matters of the heart. Yet God is most interested in this area. Admittedly, it is easier to deal with clothes than character. While clothes matter, character is far more important to God, and should be to us, too.
Since God is looking on the heart, we need to concentrate on it, too. Proverbs 4:23 instructs us, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Every morning, let's get on our knees and talk with God. We need Him to keep our hearts pure and right in His sight. Like the psalmist, let's pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
What does God see as He looks at your heart right now?
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