God looks at the heart......

1Sa 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his 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.”

When the Lord sent Samuel to anoint the new king of Israel, Samuel did and thought like we might normally think and do. That is, he was looking at Jesse's sons, and was sure that from what he could see by outward appearance, was convinced he knew who would be the next king.

But, the Lord spoke to him, and explained some important truths. There is a great lesson here for us. And from this scripture we see a number of things about man and God.

1. We are not to look at the outward appearance of man as it were.

2. God had refused the one Samuel was going to choose.

3. The Lord does not see as man sees.

4. God is so different then we are.

5. Man looks at the outward appearance.

6. God looks at the heart, on the inside.

This is all very helpful for us, when we consider that we have the propensity to show favoritism to those that may look a certain way to us. We see them, and are impressed with their outward appearance, and might want to show partiality, and mistreat others.

James's epistle in chapter 2:1-13 explains that we are not to walk with the Lord and show partiality. We are to treat all persons the same, because that's what the Lord does.

But, as we consider this verse from 1st Samuel, we do realize that the Lord can see what we cannot. We cannot see into someone's heart, and see what's really going on inside.

We might think about someone a certain way because of their appearance or height as did Samuel, but we cannot see deeper then the outward. We cannot look inside of their hearts. Only God can do that.

So, there are a couple of things here. Not to be partial, and to realize that our knowledge of someone is very limited. God has neither of these limitations.

God is not like man. He is above man, and He does not lack any knowledge of anything. He knows everything.

A man can make himself look good, while all the time, what's going in his heart may not match his outward appearance. We are unable to see both. But, God can see them both perfectly.

One thing we can do, is to try and trust the Lord to guide us in our decision making, and understand, that the Lord may have something very different then what we would choose and think.

Lord, we are constantly made to realize How awesome You are, and how much You want to help us, and how much we need You. Please help us to let You show us Your ways, Your love, and Your wisdom. Thank You Father.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises

1. We are not left to our own ways.

2. God will help us if we let Him.

3. The Lord promises to give us wisdom.

4. We are prone to many ways that won't help us.

5. God is not able to be incorrect.

6. The Lord is perfect in all His ways.