Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
1 Sam 16:7 (The Passion Translation)
Samuel and the Heart Boy
Long story short, Samuel was on a mission to find a new King for Israel. God led him to a certain family, in a certain town. Jesse had 8 sons, strong, tall handsome… some would say regal. But as Samuel met the first 7 of his sons, God kept whispering into his heart, not this one… not this one…
At last Samuel said, “Surely one of these young men must be him! They certainly look as though they could be a King of Israel!”
And the Divine and Infinite God whispered back, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.”
Then it was revealed that Jesse had a son Samuel had not yet met. He was herding sheep up in the hills, he was smaller, more slight than his brothers, a poet and a harp player, given to the murky moods of the hills and the stars… and it was this unlikely youngest son of Jesse's that God had chosen to be Israel’s next Monarch.
How often do we get stuck on valuing others and making assumptions about their usefulness and success by their outward appearances? I know I do all the time, and I have to keep bringing myself back to the place where ‘value’ finds its origin; the heart of God.
I’ve recently discovered a duo of writers called ‘The Minimalists.’ They write beautifully and challengingly around consumerism and value – living meaningful lives with less stuff. You can check them out at theminimalists.com.
“Happiness, as far as we’re concerned, is achieved through living a meaningful life: a life filled with passion and freedom in which we grow as individuals and contribute beyond ourselves. Growth and contribution: those are the bedrocks of happiness. Not stuff.”
Sounds familiar… “Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value. For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure.” (Matt 6:19-21 PT).
What can you give someone today that is not an object or a thing or some kind of stuff, that will bless and grow their lives? Something that honors and sees the heart of who they are? Let us know what you come up with.
May this day be full of meaning and hope and love.
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