Picking up a bible will reveal that God looks at people’s hearts above all else. We’re prone to look at outward appearances; how intelligent, attractive, clean living, successful, and even “spiritual” people are. But that doesn’t seem to be all that God sees when you examine some of the accounts of the men and women who became friends of God.
Take, for example, men like Abraham, a pagan sun-worshipper who God called to follow Him, Rahab, the town prostitute, King David, who one minute was playing worship songs and then the next chose to commit adultery resulting in getting a married woman pregnant and then organised to have her husband killed in battle to cover his tracks.
Mary Magdalene, who was demonically afflicted, Zacchaeus, a thief and a cheat, Peter, a loud, sometimes bumbling fisherman, and a crazy possessed man who hid naked in a cemetery. (Gen 12; 2 Sam 11:1-27; Joshua 2; Luke 8:1-3; Luke 19:1-10; Matt 14:18-22; Mark 56:1-20)
All these people were not the type you would expect to be wanted and chosen by God to be or do anything, and yet their lives are recorded as precisely whom and what God wanted in a relationship with Him.
Why? Because God looks at the condition of our hearts and He sees who he has made us to become. That is what is most important to Him, and all He asks is, “Do you want me and the life I have to offer you?”
Because He offers it with an outstretched hand for you to walk with Him step by step. He doesn’t expect you to be perfect or never make a mistake but to do your very best to follow and get to know Him and then learn from Him how to live the abundant life He wants for you. (John 10:10)
Today, choose to follow Him with your whole heart. Let God know you want Him in your world and His type of life, and then invite Him to show you how to live that out everyday.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT)
Prayer: Jesus, even though sometimes it’s difficult to understand why you would want me, I’m choosing to believe you do because you gave up your life for me. Help me choose the life you offer me, and then please help me walk with you every day. In Jesus name Amen.
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