Appearance
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
A very familiar passage that we read from 1 Samuel regarding the selection of David as the second king over Israel. Numerous sermons have been preached regarding the subject of God looking on the heart. It is a very true and important declaration made by God Himself. He is trying to enlighten Samuel during the process of anointing the next king. Just prior to David, Saul had been selected by the Lord to reign over the people. Of course, we understand the people demanded a king and God allowed the request. He assured them all the king would do and the great cost of having a king, yet they stood firm in their selfishness.
God gave them exactly what they wanted, and we know from scripture the cost was great and God’s word held true. Saul took from the people and abused his position just as God said. He had the external appearance of a king, a head taller than everyone, and though he looked like the king they wanted he served himself at the cost of the people.
God was establishing the importance of us looking upon the heart and not be distracted by what our eyes may be enticed by. This truth has been taught and revisited through the centuries.
The other side of the statement is sometimes lost in the shuffle. The fact that man looks on the outward appearance is not unknown but the impact of it is not addressed as much as encouraging us to look on the heart as God does. Knowing men look outwardly is a powerful statement. We know we should look at other’s hearts and intent, but we live in a world where most do not. We are judged, categorized, rejected and excluded based on our outward appearance. How tough it is for our young Christians to remain devoted when their peers judge them based on appearance. We live in a cruel and ungodly world making it difficult to do the right thing when most of the world opposes a godly view. Never make light of men looking outwardly but let it drive us to our knees pleading for strength and help that we may continue to live according to the word of God and not be conformed to the world and its view. The world is not fair, but we still must live in it for now. Pray that God will give us His eyes to not be unsettled by the judgmental eyes of society.