Judging someone by their outward appearance is a common routine in our world. It’s an easy trap to fall into as our society is obsessed with image, status and physical beauty. We revere those who have the most money, the biggest houses and the most beautiful or handsome faces. It’s easy to believe that appearance and achievements are everything, yet these are all surface level impressions.

When Samuel was choosing Israel’s next king, he was drawn to Eliab’s impressive stature which was certainly no indication of someone’s ability to rule a nation. God bypassed the tall, strong sons for David, the young shepherd boy.  In 1 Samuel 16:7 the Lord speaks 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.”

The verse is a gentle but powerful reminder our human vision is limited. We tend to judge quickly, often unfairly and sometimes harshly. Often, we miss the inward beauty and goodness of people because of our initial assumptions of how they “appear”.

God is not interested in appearance. Jesus himself reached out to those in society who were judged or ignored. He saw value, dignity and potential in every person. God has loved us unconditionally from the beginning of time. He calls us to a higher way of seeing…looking into the intentions and beauty that lie within a person’s soul. 

God sees beneath every exterior, not through the eyes of judgement, but through the eyes of grace, compassion and love.  As His followers we are called to do the same. Thanks be to God!

Patty