But 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 people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Appearances can be very deceiving. One can look very well dressed with a well-kept appearance and like a good person, but in reality, be very violent and dangerous.

All that people can fully see is what is on the outside of a person, the physical appearance. Until one gets to know a person closely, they cannot know the person’s heart and true character.

As Samuel was looking at Jesse’s sons for who would be the next king, God told him to not look at the outward appearance. He said that He looks at the heart of the person.

God looks at the heart of a person because that is what shows the true character of a person. From the heart is what determines what a person chases after and desires.

Most people have a heart that is focused upon themselves and their own personal desires. The heart is often one of selfish, personal idolatry–worshipping self more than God. Well dressed and good-looking people are some of those who have committed the most horrible crimes in history as they focused upon themselves.

Instead of being focused upon themselves, believers should have their heart focused upon God, His kingdom and others. The heart goal of the believer is to be more like Jesus and to do God’s work on this earth.

Although a person cannot fully see the heart, God can reveal it through His Holy Spirit. He can open spiritual eyes to see the heart rather than the physical outward appearance, both of one’s own self and of the heart of others.

Just as with the sons of Jesse, you may have a good appearance on the outside, but God sees the heart. Do not allow your heart to be like that of the world, selfish and idolatrous.

Allow God to look into your heart and reveal the truth of who you are. Then let the Holy Spirit change your heart to be one that is running after God’s heart.

Along with revealing your own heart, seek God to open your eyes to the truth of the hearts of other people. Do not be deceived by outward appearances in yourself or others.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will allow God to reveal your heart to you; that you will trust God’s judgement upon your heart; that you will live to seek, serve and worship God with all of your life; and that you will allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the hearts of other people.