“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Do you ever grow weary of trying to keep up appearances? We want things to look their shiny best, including our character. We can “be good” when we are amongst church family or a neighborhood gathering. It’s when we are in a familiar surrounding; such as family or sometimes even our co-workers; that we tend to act out of our true character.
God told Samuel to go find a king to replace Saul. He asked him to stop mourning Saul’s loss of kingship. Samuel was to be about God’s business of finding another king. God said He would provided a king from the house of Jesse.
Jesse brought forth all his older, stronger sons; however, God gave a big “NOPE.” When Samuel asked if Jesse had any more sons; he stated he had one more; sheperding sheep in the field. Now, isn’t that amazing? David, the one who appeared to be the weakest; the least in the house of Jesse, was chosen by God to be the king.
Our scripture for today says, “Man looks at the outside. God looks at the heart.” My friend, that should speak volumes into your life. Where you appear to be weak, God is strong. God promised in 2 Corinthians 12:9a, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” He can do great and mighty things beyond what you could ever ask or think or imagine. You do not have to keep up appearances. The rest of 2 Corinthians 12:9b says, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Verse 10 states, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
We don’t want to keep up appearances just for appearances’ sake. Rather; we should be exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, for Christ’s sake. “Greater is He who lives within us than he who lives in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Remember the acrosstic for FEAR. False Evidence Appearing Real. It’s the same with keeping up appearances for appearance sake. Don’t do it! Don’t do it! Be who you are in Christ. He will be pleased with you.
Prayer in Motion:
Lord Jesus, help me to be who You intend for me to be; in Christ Jesus. God, please forgive me for all the times I have put forward false appearances. I want to be who You created me to be in Jesus Christ.
