From a sermon by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH

“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 people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16: 6-7

In a world that often equates leadership with power, status, and influence, the story of David’s anointing as king is a powerful reminder of what truly matters to God: the condition of our hearts.

When Samuel was sent to anoint the next king of Israel, he initially looked to David’s older brothers, assuming that outward appearance and worldly success were indicators of kingship.

However, God intervened, reminding Samuel that He looks at the heart, not outward appearances. Despite David’s youth and status as a shepherd, God saw qualities in him—courage, integrity, and devotion—that made him the ideal candidate to lead Israel. David’s anointing as their king wasn’t based on his external achievements or societal status but on the purity and sincerity of his heart.

This principle holds true for us today. Whether we’re in leadership positions or simply navigating everyday life, God is more concerned with the motives and desires of our hearts than with outward success or recognition.

As followers of Christ, we’re called to cultivate hearts that reflect His love, humility, and compassion, becoming people who prioritize integrity, righteousness, and servant-heartedness above all else.

Through Christ, God’s spirit can give us a heart like that.

DIG DEEPER
Read “What Does It Mean That God Looks At the Heart?” at GotQuestions.org