“The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
I was always one of the youngest kids in my class by a year or more. The age difference made itself evident in high school. The first ones to get their driver’s licenses were instantly popular. If girls had a choice to date someone older or younger, they’d pick the older guy. In sports, one year of physical development often left the smaller athletes on the sidelines. In school and in life, outward appearance carries weight.
Today’s Scripture verse points out that God doesn’t look at appearances as we do. Perhaps that is an encouragement to you. But rather than taking this as good news for those society deems less able, we actually must take it as bad news for everyone. It’s “bad” because God looks at the heart; there is nothing we can hide from Him. He knows our every thought and motive, that we are impure and selfish, and that we don’t live up to our own standards, let alone His holy standards. We all need a Savior. And that’s where the good news comes in.
Whatever your circumstances are, remember your ability level is temporary while your identity in Christ is eternal.
Today’s Scripture verse points out that God doesn’t look at appearances as we do. Perhaps that is an encouragement to you. But rather than taking this as good news for those society deems less able, we actually must take it as bad news for everyone. It’s “bad” because God looks at the heart; there is nothing we can hide from Him. He knows our every thought and motive, that we are impure and selfish, and that we don’t live up to our own standards, let alone His holy standards. We all need a Savior. And that’s where the good news comes in.
Whatever your circumstances are, remember your ability level is temporary while your identity in Christ is eternal.
Scripture Focus
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Insight
“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, … since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
Bible In A Year
- Job 5-6
- Psalm 45
- Luke 8
