1 Samuel 16:6-7 When he arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” 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.”
Samuel was on a mission to find God’s choice to be king over the people of Israel. He was certain that that Eliab was the man because of his appearance and height. But Eliab wasn’t God’s choice. In our context culturally, what traits lead us to assume someone has great potential for success? What traits lead us to assume the lack of that potential? What happens to people who have the traits we associate with failure? Have you ever felt evaluated on the basis of your appearance? How did that feel?
Prayer: O God, we’ve been guilty of assuming outward appearance is indicative of inward morals. Again and again, you remind us that you look at the heart—where the fruits of the Spirit are produced. Forgive us for only looking at the surface as if that is all that matters. Help us to remember that your Servant had no beauty or majesty to draw us to him, no outward appearance that we should desire him, yet he is our Lord and Savior. Open our eyes to the value and potential each one possesses because of your presence in their lives. Amen.
Tongue on Fire 