Looking At Our Heart

After Joshua died, the nation of Israel was ruled by judges for over
300 years. During this time, the people turned to God when life
became difficult, but "did evil in the eyes of the Lord" (Judges 3:7)
when the difficult times passed. Finally, they cried out for a king:
"We want a king to rule us. Then we will be like the other nations"
(1 Samuel 8:20). God gave them exactly what they wanted - He gave
them Saul, "An impressive young man without equal among the
Israelites" (1 Samuel 9:2).

Saul looked impressive and was loved by the people, but he failed to
obey God's commands. After several years, God rejected Saul as king
and sent Samuel to anoint a new king from among the sons of
Jesse. When Samuel arrived at Jesse's home, he saw Eliab and thought
for sure he was to be the next king (Eliab was probably tall and
strong like Saul).

1 Samuel 16:7
"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.'"

Samuel assumed the next king would fit the same "impressive" mold as
Saul. But this king was to be chosen according to the criteria of
God, not the criteria of man. God chose David, not because of his
appearance or status, but because of his heart.

How often do we fall into the trap of evaluating others based on
outward appearance? We drift toward the "normal" crowd and wrongly
assume that, somehow, good looks and status produce wisdom. But God
calls us to consider the heart of others and to strongly consider the
condition of our own heart!

Much of our life is focused on being externally impressive. We
desire the "right" looks, credentials, and possessions. We believe
our outward condition makes us more acceptable, but God looks past
the external and directly pierces into who we are on the inside. Our
focus must forever be on how we are viewed in the eyes of God, not
the eyes of man.

There are very few things with eternal value. And NOTHING outside
the will of God can survive the flames of judgment. The priorities
of our life become the treasures which mold our heart; "Where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). And our
heart is NEVER hidden from the eyes of God!

Let's keep our treasure firmly in the Hands of God. Let's begin to
consider the riches stored inside our Brothers and Sisters, and
consider our true appearance as we stand before our holy
Father. Everything external will one day fade away and we will stand
bare and empty handed, with God looking at our heart.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
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Lorena, TX 76655
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