"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 people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
-I Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
-I Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
How do we choose our leaders? How do you choose your friends? What influences your opinions of your boss or coworkers? When Samuel was looking for the king to lead God's people of Israel, the Lord cautioned Samuel about looking at the things that people generally look at.
God warns that height and outward appearances are not reliable criteria for choosing a person or forming opinions about a person's abilities. The best way to choose a person or evaluate intentions and abilities is to look at the heart. What is in a person's heart will determine how that person will act or react in different situations. When God's love and forgiveness fill a person's heart, then they will most often act and react with love.
We need to not only look at others' hearts, but also our own hearts. We need to take inventory of our hearts to make sure that they are filled with Godliness and His love. Our actions and reactions should reflect God's presence in our hearts and lives. We aren't perfect, but we should strive to maintain a heart that is pleasing to God.
Remember the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover." And remember to heed God's advice to Samuel. Don't be "wowed" by outward appearances. Get to know what is in the heart - yours and others!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for judging me by what is in my heart. Please let my heart be acceptable to you. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
God warns that height and outward appearances are not reliable criteria for choosing a person or forming opinions about a person's abilities. The best way to choose a person or evaluate intentions and abilities is to look at the heart. What is in a person's heart will determine how that person will act or react in different situations. When God's love and forgiveness fill a person's heart, then they will most often act and react with love.
We need to not only look at others' hearts, but also our own hearts. We need to take inventory of our hearts to make sure that they are filled with Godliness and His love. Our actions and reactions should reflect God's presence in our hearts and lives. We aren't perfect, but we should strive to maintain a heart that is pleasing to God.
Remember the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover." And remember to heed God's advice to Samuel. Don't be "wowed" by outward appearances. Get to know what is in the heart - yours and others!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for judging me by what is in my heart. Please let my heart be acceptable to you. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
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