But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7, NASB
Image is such a powerful force in our world.
There David was, the lowliest of his father Jesse’s children, going about his day humbly tending sheep. Even Samuel did not think someone like David was who God would choose for the next king. When he saw the first son Eliab, he remarked, “Surely the LORD’S anointed is before Him (16:6, NASB).”
Do we find ourselves doing the same when we hear a powerful preacher or meet someone charismatic who appears to be fully devoted to the Lord? “Surely this must God’s chosen servant.” When we do this, it can also make us feel lesser than someone who seems more gifted than us. Yet it is our heart toward God and our willingness to follow Jesus that matters.
Like David, you may be doing the humblest work every day and appear to be the lowliest, but remember that God looks at the heart. He knows your heart toward serving him and your desire to honor Him. In God’s eyes you are royalty, His child in His kingdom. He has anointed you for His work.
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. – 1 Samuel 16:13, NASB
140 Character Christian 