Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

“People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Focus

God is more concerned with who you are becoming on the inside than how impressive you look on the outside.

Devotional

We live in a world that pays a lot of attention to appearances.

How successful do you look?

How confident do you seem?

How much do you have?

What do other people think of you?

But God looks deeper.

When Samuel went to anoint the next king of Israel, he naturally noticed the strongest and most impressive sons of Jesse. But God reminded him that He does not evaluate people the way we do.

The Lord looks at the heart.

David was overlooked by people, but he was seen by God.

This should both encourage us and challenge us.

It is encouraging because you do not have to impress God. He already knows the real you.

But it is also challenging because we cannot hide behind appearances.

We can look spiritual on the outside while carrying pride, jealousy, bitterness, or selfish ambition within.

God cares about the hidden places.

Your motives.

Your private thoughts.

Your desires.

Your character when no one is watching.

Instead of asking only, “How do I look to others?” we should ask, “What does God see in my heart?”

A life that pleases God starts from the inside and eventually shows on the outside.

Reflection Question

Am I more concerned with appearing godly to people or actually becoming godly before the Lord?

Prayer

Father, search my heart and reveal anything in me that does not please You. Help me care more about Your approval than the opinions of people. Shape my character and make my heart more like Yours.