What's in your heart?

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." — 1 Samuel 16:7

How do you judge one's character? We are only limited to judging a person's character by observing their behavior or words. But, are we indeed able to determine one's nature by merely observing behavior? In today's text, Samuel was sent to Jesse's house to anoint the next king of Israel. Even a prophet like Samuel was not able to see how God sees an individual. After looking at Eliab, one of Jesse's sons, he said, "Surely the LORD's anointed is before him." But God tells Samuel to move on to the next son.

God reminds Samuel that He looks at the heart of people. Our behavior and words cannot predict whether we are faithfully obeying God. However, many spend most of their time focusing on their outward appearances.

Dear Church, instead of only focusing on our outward appearances, let us focus on our hearts and character. What steps can you take to improve your heart's attitude and motivation to live for God?