Looking At Our Heart
2-13-04

After Joshua died, the nation of Israel was ruled by judges for over 300 years. During this time, the people turned to God when life became difficult, but "did evil in the eyes of the Lord" (Judges 3:7) when the difficult times passed. Finally, they cried out for a king: "We want a king to rule us. Then we will be like the other nations" (1 Samuel 8:20). God gave them exactly what they wanted - He gave them Saul: "An impressive young man without equal among the Israelites" (1 Samuel 9:2).

Saul looked impressive and was loved by the people but he failed to obey God's commands. After several years, God rejected Saul as king and sent Samuel to anoint a new king from among the sons of Jesse. When Samuel arrived at Jesse's home, he saw Eliab and thought for sure he was to be the next king (Eliab was probably tall and strong like Saul).

1 Samuel 16:7
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"

Samuel assumed the next king would fit the same "impressive" mold as Saul. But this king was to be chosen according to the criteria of God, not the criteria of man. God chose David, not because of his appearance or status, but because of his heart.

How often do we fall into the trap of evaluating others based on outward appearance? We drift toward the "normal" crowd and wrongly assume that, somehow, good looks and status produce wisdom. But God calls us to consider the heart of others and to strongly consider the condition of our own heart!

Much of our life is focused on being externally impressive. We desire to have the "right" looks, credentials, and possessions. We believe our outward condition will make us more acceptable, but God looks past the external and directly pierces into who we are on the inside. Our focus must forever be on how we are viewed in the eyes of God, not the eyes of man.

There are few things which have eternal value. And NOTHING outside the will of God can survive the flames of judgement. The priorities of our life become the treasures which mold our heart; "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). And our heart is NEVER hidden!

Let's keep our treasure firmly in the Hands of God. Let's begin to consider the riches stored inside our Brothers and Sisters, and consider our true appearance as we stand before our holy Father. Everything external will one day fade away and we will stand bare with God looking at our heart.

Have A Great Day!