Appearances

"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

God warned Samuel against judging by appearance alone. When we judge by externals, we easily overlook outstanding people who lack the particular physical qualities society currently admires. Outward appearance doesn't reflect what people are really like or their true worth.

When the time came to anoint a successor to Saul as king of Israel, Samuel was confident he knew a king when he saw one. Eliab, Jesse's oldest son, was the clear choice.

To God, and hopefully to our church, there is a complete acceptance of people regardless of these outward things, and a love that turns that insecurity into peace. Samuel should have remembered that God judges by faith and character, not appearances. Since only God can look within the human heart, only he can accurately judge people. Many people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; we should all do more to develop our inner character. While everyone can see your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like.

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4)