Looks And Life

Read: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. --- 1 Samuel 16:7

The Bible In One Year:
Psalms 23-25
Acts 21:18-40

During the first few hours of their 30th college reunion, Mary Schmich and her friends talked mostly about how old their classmates looked. But as the event progressed, their focus began to change. Later, in her Chicago Tribune column, Mary wrote: "Once you get used to the fact that time has robbed every single one of you of something --- or added it in the wrong places ... you stop thinking about looks [and] start talking about life."

So much of our time and attention are devoted to physical appearance that it's easy to consider it the most important aspect of our lives. But the Bible reminds us that God wants us to see ourselves and others differently.

When the Lord sent Samuel to anoint a new king over Israel [1 Sam. 16:1], God reminded him to look deeper than physical characteristics: "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature .... For the LORD does not see as man sees: for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" [v.7].

God's Word has some harsh condemnation for those who show favoritism based on appearance [James 2:1-2]. When we begin to see people through God's eyes, our focus will change from looks to life. --- David McCasland

God looks not at the outward form
But what is in the heart;
The beauty He is pleased to see,
His Spirit can impart. --- Hess

OUR MIRRORS REFLECT THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE; GOD'S MIRROR REVEALS THE INWARD CONDITION.