Advent(Dec. 13): Looking At Things Inside Out

When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD." 

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 man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, 

but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." 

So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." 

Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." 

1 Samuel 16:6-7, 10-12

"Samuel thought Jesse's oldest son, the one with the broad shoulders, who looks like he could carry a big sword and wear a big dazzling crown, would be the one whom God would see as king.

But, God looks at the way things are on the inside.

So, Samuel tried to see the way God sees.

And long after the {almost} forgotten son of Jesse - David, the sheep watcher, goat herder, and puny kid brother - was anointed king of Bethlehem, there was another unseen One born in that very same little town - One who was left out with the sheep because no one made room for Him either."

"Like Samuel, we tend to look at the way things seem on the outside. " 

As we can see from God’s perspective, the outward appearance is not the best way to judge a person. There is an old saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Its meaning is simple, a person’s appearance, either their physical attributes or clothing, are no indication of their inner being. We need to be very careful because outward appearance can be very deceptive. There are people in this world that many consider beautiful on the outside but their inside does not match their temporary exterior beauty. (source)

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman (or man) who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) 

We need to realize that first impressions rarely tell us much about a person, so we should give him or her some time to reveal what is in their heart before making a decision.

A true child of God will reflect a humble spirit, love for God and others, as well as joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This is truly a beautiful person in the eyes of God. “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:20)

Come back again, as I share Day 14 of the Advent Calender...in the book, "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift".(All quotes listed are from the book, unless indicated.)

From December 1st to December 25th

I will be sharing each story in this beautiful book, as well as some of the breathtaking pictures. Won't you join me? Stop by each day to see the stories shared. If you would prefer I email you each days post, please leave your email in the comments section or send me an email at apop12341@hotmail.com 
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