Outward Appearances vs. Inner Heart
Tuesday’s Verse:
From 1 Samuel 16:7 ESV
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
I was listening to a news report in which a young woman described her “perfect” man. Basically, she envisions a man, 6 feet 4 inches tall, with a strong body, who has a lot of money, and agrees with her political leanings. To her, that’s her perfect guy.
Wondering about this description for a moment, I figured if a short guy came along, barely 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a thinning hairline, and works for the Department of Public Works making decent money, but agrees with her on all of her political leanings, something tells me she would run the other way.
Outward appearances are always near the top of our lists. In our Bible verse today from 1st Samuel, God tells Samuel not to believe that a tall King would be acceptable to the people. Instead, look at the man’s heart.
We spend plenty of time trying to “look good” towards others, and yes, even towards God. We want our outward appearance to be the best it can be to attract others or, in the case of Samuel, looking for a good-looking King who could bring the people together. God knows our hearts. He understands our needs. Outward appearances to God are meaningless. Our Lord sees inside us and knows our true heart.
We should take the Lord's words in 1st Samuel to heart. Putting our outward appearance over our inner heart, or seeing beyond looks to understand others' true selves, let us focus our thoughts on being Godly people, showing love and mercy to others as God has shown to us.
Today’s Prayers
Lord Jesus, forgive us, renew our hearts, and help us see our neighbors with your mercy. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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