What do you see when you look at yourself in the mirror? Most of us can be very critical of ourselves, whether it’s our weight, our hair, or other physical features. We tell ourselves, and others, that what’s important is on the inside, but I wonder if we really believe it.
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
Social media allows us to “lie” to ourselves. It’s called “the profile.”
With just a few clicks and taps, we can present ourselves exactly as we wish to be seen. We choose the best photos, the meaningful moments, and carefully edit the words we use to describe our lives.
We’re not trying to be dishonest. We want to be understood and accepted for who we are … well, sort of.
Scripture reminds us that God sees differently. When Samuel searched for Israel’s next king, he naturally looked at outward appearance and strength: “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
The good news isn’t that God sees through appearances; it’s that God loves us even there. The grace of Christ meets us beneath the filters, beneath the performance, beneath the image we work so hard to maintain.
We can get tired trying to be perfect. One little verse from 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that God understands. He knows we look at outward appearances – our own and others – even though we shouldn’t. He knows we can be too critical. But, most importantly, he wants us to know that when he says it’s the heart that matters, he means it.
There’s freedom in being known by God completely — and loved still.
Prayer: Lord, you see beyond appearances and into the deepest places of my heart. Help me live with honesty and humility. Free me from the need to impress others, and teach me to rest in the grace you freely give. Free me from the negative words I say about myself. Amen.
