The LORD looks at the heart

https://odb.org/2025/02/07/not-irrelevant

1 Samuel 16:6–13 (NIV): 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD.” 7 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.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on, the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.

The story of David’s anointing as the future King of Israel by the LORD God through prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 16 is a famous and very popular story often preached or referred to on the pulpit. Verse 7 is usually the focal point where God spoke to Samuel, saying that He looks at the heart while others look at appearance. From the eight sons of Jesse, God chose the youngest who was still in his teens and thus the weakest. But it was the right choice by the LORD God as later proven by David’s spectacular and overwhelming defeat of the Philistine giant Goliath. In fact, Goliath became synonymous with giants, and that story is often cited cursorily as an example of someone or something small being able to defeat someone or something much bigger. Cursorily because the real spiritual principle behind that story as we dwell deeper into it is that with God on our side, we can overcome giants or triumph when odds are against us.

An equally important principle I like to highlight this morning is that God looks at the heart. Something people often have difficulty judging because the heart of man can be evil and conniving indeed. Thus, we judge by appearance or reputation or track record. For example, who knows what the heart of the PMX was when he pushed for investments by the hyperscalers in cloud infrastructure. Was it for the country’s good or his own popularity or political self-preservation or a combination? As members of the public, we can only judge by the economic results it brings in terms of jobs or the raising of our standard of living.

As believers, we may take advantage of God looking at hearts by preparing our hearts such that we are always putting Him first in all things. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and  all these shall be added unto you is the right principle of heart to go for. Jesus Christ will evaluate us on the Bema judgment seat of Christ based on the things God had planned for us. Did we respond to His calling for our lives? Did we fulfil His plans and purposes for us? If our heart is always for God and we do things to serve Him genuinely and sincerely always, we should be fine. Remember, it is not what people see that matters but what God sees, and God sees everything, especially our hearts!