But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” ~1 Samuel 16:7
Beautiful people are everywhere. Glamour websites or newsstand magazine covers offer a veritable banquet of this month’s most attractive faces. But who are these people, and why are they so beautiful? Is it because they have straight teeth and flawless complexions? Are they so attractive because of their prowess on the silverscreen or the athletic field? Or do their power and wealth make them handsome?
Whatever the reason, it’s safe to say our culture is completely infatuated with these people. And it’s also safe to say that it’s impossible for you and me not to beimpressed by their seeming flawlessness.
The Israelites were being led by a beautiful person. Scripture tells us that Saul was tall and handsome, a sure candidate for People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People issue. But God was not happy with Saul. In fact, the Scripture today tells us that God had rejected him as king over Israel (see v. 1). Saul’s impressive exterior did not dazzle the Creator of the universe because the king’s constitution was completely corrupt.
So God asks the prophet Samuel to find another king. This time, however, the Lord tells Samuel to look on the inside—at the character of the man—and not at how photogenic he might be on the cover of the inauguration program.
God told Samuel that people look to see what’s on the outside, but the Lord looks at what’s in a person’s heart.
Imagine how much effort you and I exert on our outsides? Shaving, grooming, deodorizing, and dressing our bodies takes time. We also try to eat right and exercise so we look acceptable in spite of our age. But to God, it’s almost like we’re completely transparent. When He looks at us, He looks through all the externals, directly into who we are—our thoughts, our motives, our desires, our hearts. How’s that for sobering truth?
The message today is not meant to say we should ignore our bodies. They are, after all, the temple where God’s Spirit lives (see 1 Cor. 6:19). However, the challenge is to spend at least as much time working on who we are as we spend on how we look.
Taking time each day to read God’s Word and listen to His voice is a great start toward becoming a beautiful person inside. Congratulations, you really are right on track.