“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) When God said, “the Lord looks at …
“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
-1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
When God said, “the Lord looks at the heart,” He wasn’t just correcting Samuel’s assumption but He was revealing a truth that still confronts us today. We live in a world obsessed with image and performance, but God isn’t moved by appearances. His gaze goes deeper. He searches the heart, the motives, the sincerity behind the worship. He’s not impressed by show—He’s drawn to substance.
It is possible to do the right thing on the outside and still be disqualified on the inside. Why? Because God rewards based on our motives, not just our actions. As Jeremiah 17:10 (KJV) declares, “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” The heart is the first altar God visits before He responds to your prayer, your offering, or your fasting.
God Looks at the Heart of Giving
Remember the widow’s mite in Mark 12. Many gave large amounts in the temple, but it was the small coin from a poor widow that caught heaven’s attention. Why? Because while people saw the amount, God saw the sacrifice. She gave all she had, not to impress, but to honor God.
It is possible to do the right thing on the outside and still be disqualified on the inside. Why? Because God looks at the heart, not actions alone.
This same principle is further echoed in Luke 18. Two men went to pray: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee’s prayer was full of self-righteous pride. He compared himself to others and felt righteous in his own eyes. But the tax collector stood at a distance, broken, repentant, and humble, beating his chest and crying out for mercy. And Jesus said it was this humble man, not the religious one, who went home justified before God.
Beloved, your heart is the secret place God visits first. Before your voice is heard in the heavens, your heart is examined on the earth. You may not be the loudest, the most visible, or the most praised, but if your heart is pure, your reward is sure.
Song of Worship
Your love
Song by Andrae Crouch
Prayer – Lord, teach me to value what You value. Cleanse my heart and align my motives with Your will. May I never offer You empty actions with a full schedule but give You sincere love with a pure heart. Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. Lead me in the everlasting way. Amen.
Bible in 1 Year: Jeremiah 30-31; Philemon 1
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