Beyond Appearance

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 - the story of Samuel anointing David

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by a man's face or height, for this is not the one. I don't make decisions the way you do! Men judge by outward appearance, but I look at a man's thoughts and intentions." 1 Samuel 16:7 (TLB)

Grant Patterson lives in Indiana. The student dining hall has shelves full of fruit. Usually Grant grabs a few apples on his way to his next class. But Grant finds it difficult to choose the best apples. Many that are spotless and bright red are actually flavorless or bitter. Grant prefers the yellow apples. They are bruised, dirty, and look unappetizing. But despite their inferior appearance, they are the sweetest apples he has ever tasted.

Likewise, God looks beyond appearances when viewing us. God doesn't care about our bodies or how we appear; God looks at our hearts and sees our true worth.

David's brothers were taller, better looking, and more heroic than he was. Any of them would have been an obvious choice to be the next king of Israel. But God saw their appearances and their hearts - and at God's direction Samuel chose David. Though he was not as impressive outwardly, David was someone after God's own heart.

If we want to be like Christ, then we should learn to see people God's way - not for their outward presentation but for their hearts. May we learn to see how God sees and to love how God loves.

Prayer: Dear God, give us eyes to see people's true worth and the conviction to ignore worldly standards. Help us to see as you see and love as you love, in Jesus' name. Amen.