The Lord Looks at the Heart

Samuel was sent to Bethlehem to anoint a new king. Jesse paraded his sons, and Samuel, seeing tall, impressive Eliab, thought surely this was the one. God corrected him: the Lord does not see as people see; people look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. In the end the chosen one was David, the youngest, out with the sheep and not even invited to the meeting. We live in a culture of image, and it is easy to judge ourselves and others by looks, résumés, and followers. God's measure is different. Nothing about this excuses carelessness, but it does free us from performing. Today, notice one moment when you form a quick judgment of someone based on appearance. Pause, pray for that person, and ask God to show you what He sees. Then treat them with unexpected respect.