1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
If one thing is abundantly clear throughout God’s word, it is that God cares more about the condition of our heart than He does about our appearance.
It is what resides inside us that matters most.
The words in the verse above were spoken as the prophet Samuel viewed the many sons of Jesse while searching for the man he would anoint as the next king of Israel.
Jesse had brought all his sons out, except for David, because of their physical appearances. But in the end, David was chosen.
Why did God choose David? Because he had a heart after God.
Here are the words of Samuel when he informed Saul that God was removing him as king over His people.
1 Samuel 13:14 (LSB) 14 But now your kingdom shall not endure. Yahweh has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart…
We must understand that at the foundation of our walk with God is one major variable; the condition of our heart.
That one thing will govern every aspect of our relationship with God.
God knows our heart. He knows us better than we know ourselves.
Psalm 139:1-3 (LSB) 1 O Yahweh, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. 3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Jesus, being God in the flesh (Immanuel, God with us), also knew the hearts of the people He encountered.
In Mark 8:11-12, the pharisees challenged Jesus, seeking a sign from heaven.
Knowing their hearts and their intentions, Jesus rebuked them, saying in Mark 8:11-12 “no sign will be given.”
While teaching His disciples, Jesus said the following, explaining it is what lies on the inside of a man that makes them unclean:
Matthew 15:18-20 (NKJV) 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”
So, let us remember the importance of our heart’s condition and the motives behind what we do and what we ask for.
It really does matter.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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