Have you ever seen someone and thought, “It would be great if they were a Christian”? We often focus upon those characteristics that make a person successful. We consider the person’s talents and abilities. We look at their resume and accomplishments. We have a tendency to be drawn to their outward appearances. These are important factors, but there is a characteristic that is foundational to all these accomplishments. God revealed it to the prophet Samuel as he went to Bethlehem to anoint the new king,

You shall invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for Me the one whom I designate to you. (1 Samuel 16:3)

Jesse brought his sons and invited them to the sacrifice to meet with Samuel. When Samuel saw Jesse’s sons he was impressed at the appearance of Eliab,

When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.” (1 Samuel 16:6)

We have a tendency to respond like Samuel, we find it easy to focus on outward appearances. God however, has a different criteria that He uses to select His people,

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

God is not enamored by your accomplishments or outward appearances – God is concerned with the condition of your heart. How is your heart? Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel; however, the Lord did not choose any of them. Samuel was confused, God told him to anoint a son of Jesse, but none of them were selected. Jesse did not even consider his son, David. David was most likely a young teenager and he did not have any great accomplishments.

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the children?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” (1 Samuel 16:11)

God focuses on what is most important – the condition of your heart. God is more concerned about who you are rather than what you can do. Your competency will take you only as far as your character can sustain you. Character, not competency, determines the capacity of your influence for God. A heart for God is a sine qua non for spiritual leadership. Ironically, when David entered their company, the Bible described his appearance,

So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” (1 Samuel 16:12)

God wants to use you for His glory, outward appearances are secondary. Is your heart ready for the Master’s use?

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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