1 Samuel 16:7a But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him….”
In many ways, humans seem predisposed to judgment and prejudice. Before a person utters a word, we’ve usually formed at least a cursory opinion based on the way the person is dressed, carries himself, etc. I wonder what a different world this might be if we were only able to perceive a person through his voice and words, if the snap judgment of sight were removed. Would we be more apt to listen to a person’s heart?
1 Samuel 16:7b …”The LORD does not look at the things people look at….”
Such musings always put me in mind of Frankenstein’s creature when it was learning surreptitiously from the De Lacey family. The blind father could not see the creature’s hideous appearance and treated him with kindness based on the kindness he perceived from the creature. When not immediately attacked because of his appearance, the creature showed himself capable of caring for others in his words and actions. I’ve always felt that was tremendously significant.
1 Samuel 16:7c … ”People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this reminder that even though the world approves of snap judgment based on appearance, You care more about what’s in a person’s heart. Help us to see others through Your eyes. Help us to reach out with Your hands and to encourage with Your heart. Draw us closer to You and closer together as Your children. Amen.
1 Chronicles 28:9 “…acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought….”
Have a blessed day.