Don't Let the Looks Fool You

1Samuel 16:7

7But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Samuel had been sent by the Lord to search for the next king of Israel. The people of Israel had chosen Saul. Saul refused to obey the Lord and the one whom the Lord sent. So the Lord decided that He would pick the next king. By the Lord picking the next king, he would not fail Israel, lead them astray and he would desire to obey the Lord. The people of Israel chose Saul based on his appearance. To them, he looked like a king. Samuel had to look past his judgements as well. Even if left to his own understanding, he would've chosen one of the other brothers. Samuel was not at the home of Jesse on his own accord. He was sent by the Lord and therefore he had to make the selection based on the Lord's understanding. And indeed our Savior comes from the root of David. David's heart truly desired God and to serve His people. Though based on his height, he would've been ruled out as king, but his heart was big.

We judge books by their covers everyday. But focusing on the looks instead of focusing on what's in the heart can prove to be a train wreck. Don't let the looks fool you.  When you fail to see beyond the surface, you get Saul. How do you get a David rather than a Saul in any situation? It's a simple answer really.  Consult the Lord. The Lord will tell you what to look for through the Holy Spirit. He will show you how the person treats others. He will show you their actions but most importantly, He will show you their heart, the compassion and eagerness to help. He will show you their disposition whether it be sunny or not. Don't let the looks fool you. Everything that looks good isn't good for you. The apple on the tree looked good to Eve but we know it was a disaster and Jesus had to be sent to redeem us. It's one thing to look like a king but it's quite another to have the servant heart of one.