“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
— 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)
When the prophet Samuel was sent to anoint Israel’s next king, he was sure he had found the right man as soon as he saw Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son. Eliab looked like a king — tall, strong, impressive.
But God immediately corrected Samuel:
People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
This moment reminds us of a timeless truth:
God sees beyond appearances to what truly matters — the heart.
1. Appearances Can Be Misleading
In our culture, appearances often make the first impression:
- A polished résumé
- An attractive exterior
- A confident personality
- Visible success or recognition
These things can be impressive, but they don’t tell the full story.
The most important parts of a person — their character, their motives, their faithfulness — often remain hidden from public view.
God is not swayed by surface-level success. He looks for what runs deeper.
2. God Sees the Heart
While others focus on what can be seen, God sees:
- Our private choices
- Our secret battles
- Our integrity when no one is watching
- Our real desires and priorities
This is a humbling and hope-filled truth.
It humbles us because we realize that outward success cannot substitute for inner health.
It gives us hope because even if others overlook us, God never does.
David wasn’t even considered important enough to be invited to Samuel’s meeting. Yet he was the one God had chosen — a young man with a heart fully committed to Him.
God still chooses and honors people by what He sees in the heart.
3. Living Beyond Appearances
If God looks at the heart, we should live with that reality in mind:
- Focus on substance over image.
Spend more energy building a strong heart than polishing an outward reputation. - Value what happens in private.
Faithfulness in hidden places matters more than recognition in public places. - Seek God’s approval first.
The most important “well done” doesn’t come from people — it comes from God. - Be slow to judge others.
Outward impressions are shallow. Ask God for eyes to see deeper, as He does.
4. Practical Ways to Guard and Strengthen Your Heart
- Invite God to examine your heart daily.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart…” (Psalm 139:23).
Honest, regular reflection keeps our inner life healthy. - Stay humble and teachable.
True growth happens when we admit where we need God’s help. - Stay faithful in small things.
The little choices — honesty, kindness, perseverance — build a heart that pleases God. - Measure success by eternal standards.
Not by wealth, fame, or applause, but by faithfulness, love, and obedience.
Final Thought:
People will always be drawn to what they can see.
But God is looking for what cannot be seen — a heart that belongs fully to Him.
Live today with confidence:
You are fully seen, fully known, and fully valued by God.
