Outward Appearance

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.

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4

Peter is talking directly to the wives right now, yet it is some information that can be used by anyone. In a short way of saying it Peter is telling them to stop being so concerned about award appearances and deal with how a person looks on the inside.

It is common for people to think about women when it comes to concern about appearances. Look in the stores and there are several aisles in every department store for women’s beauty products, from make-ups, to skin care, to hair care. There are even stores where that is all they sell. It goes from beauty products. Then there are the jewelry in stores and the jewelry stores themselves.

Yet, while it is most common for women, there are also a lot of men’s care products. There are many colognes, hair care products and suits and ties available for men.

Women try to look beautiful, while men are trying to be handsome. Both are trying to look great on the outside.

There are some people who have looked great on the outside, yet were mass killers. Their inside heart and life was ugly.

On the outside you may look great, but inside you are a turmoil. You may be stressed about money, family, vehicles, jobs, or something else. Your focus in life may be on getting that next promotion or something else.

These are things that make you look horrible, even though you may look great on the outside. God wants you to have a quiet and gentle spirit. Jesus was at peace at all times and in all situations. He was gentle with everyone, never causing any harm physically or emotionally.

What is your life saying to others?

Are you showing God’s peace and gentleness in your words and actions? Or are you just trying to look nice by how you dress?

Have Jesus inside of you shining out. It will make you more beautiful, or handsome than the best dressed person in the world.

I pray today that God will reveal His beauty to you; that you will clothe yourself with Jesus and His righteousness; that you will have a gentle and quiet spirit; and that you will show Jesus to the world.