1 Samuel 16:7(KJV)
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
Our anchor Scripture says that man looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart. When the prophet Samuel went to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to be the next king, Samuel saw the oldest son, Eliab, and was impressed by his appearance. The prophet thought he had found the right man, but the Lord rejected Eliab. God reminded Samuel that He does not look at the things people look at. Samuel looked at all seven of Jesse’s older sons, but the Lord rejected them as His choice for king. God was looking for one who had a faithful heart. People tend to judge the character and worth of others by looking at outward appearances. However, beyond our actions, God sees and knows the intent of our hearts; He goes deeper to see the motive behind what we do. What God is looking for is a heart that is perfect toward Him. He can see things about us that no one else can see. God sees the hidden things, those inner thoughts and desires in our hearts and minds. He looks at the beauty and honesty in our hearts. In His eyes, looks don’t count, but our hearts do. Proverbs 16:2 says, “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.” People may see perfection in what someone does, but God may see faulty intentions or motives behind the action.
The condition of our hearts is very vital to God. It is also significant to know that with God, actions are weighed(1 Samuel 2:3). Appearances can be deceiving. The outward appearance doesn’t reveal what people are really like. Physical looks don’t show our value, character, integrity, or faithfulness to God. By definition, outward qualities are superficial. Moral and spiritual considerations are far more important to God. King David admonished his son Solomon to know and serve God with a perfect heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts(1 Chronicles 28:9). In 2 Chronicles 25:1-2, the Bible says, Amaziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart. Many seem to be doing the right things in their service to God but not with a perfect heart. Some are in church to get a miracle and not to serve God with a perfect heart. They follow one miracle center after the other. They move from one prophet to the other, forgetting God is watching. Luke 16:15 says, “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”
Beloved, let your heart be pure before God because God always looks at the heart. Ensure you have a correct, genuine, and sincere motive behind every action, for God sees beyond your actions; He sees your heart. With a right heart, seek God’s Ways with humility. You get up each day with a desire to please Him. You submit every area of your life to Him, willing to make adjustments and receive correction. Today, make knowing God, through His Son Jesus Christ, your number one priority. Yield yourself to Him and let Him shape your character. Serve Him with all your might, and let your heart be perfect towards Him. Have a sincere and personal relationship with Him. In your life, look not at people only on a surface level but always take your time. Since you can’t see what the Lord sees, rely on Him for wisdom. Let God look at your heart and see your faithfulness, character, and value. Remember, men will continue to choose leaders with charm as God exalts His faithful servants.
O LORD, have Your Way in me. Help me to love You with a perfect heart in Jesus’ Name.