God Looks At the Heart

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7

Focus on Christ

Do you judge people by how they look on the outside? Would you have chosen David to fight against Goliath? People tend to focus on what looks good. People get attention based on fitness, weight, hair, looks, and attire. Seldom does the world ask about character first.  

When the nation was looking for a king to replace Saul, even Samuel thought Eliab was the logical choice. After all, he was the oldest and looked the part. Yet, God redirected Samuel to look at the situation differently. God wanted a man who had a high measure of character. The only way to see that is to see what God sees. 

Since you cannot read the heart, you must receive the Wisdom of God that can permeate your heart and mind so that you will know God’s choice servants. Why do you need this wisdom? God gives you many relationships in life. So you need wisdom to choose godly people. It could be to choose the right friend, partner in business, spouse, pastor, or teacher. Many look at appearance to make these selections and often never look at character. Many disasters come because character was not a priority. 

God looks at the heart. He knows what a person is thinking, feeling, and desiring. He is looking for those whose heart is yielded to Him. Would you say you spend more time daily on your physical appearance or spiritual heart? If so, you will not attract those who have an in-depth walk with Christ. Do you want to be with people of high moral and spiritual standards? If so, you must be a person of integrity in order to seek, discover, and identity other people of integrity. 

Focus on Self

Self-help books flood the market. God’s Word is the only one that will stand forever. If you want to develop godly character, then understand it will not happen by focusing on self. You must focus on walking with God and letting Him develop a strong spiritual heart.

*Taken from Gifts from God by Kerry Skinner and Alison Veazey. Click here to order your copy.