[The Mayor]

July 19, 2006

Looks And Life

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READ: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. —1 Samuel 16:7 During the first few hours of their 30th college reunion, Mary Schmich and her friends talked mostly about how old their classmates looked. But as the event progressed, their focus began to change. Later, in her Chicago Tribune column, Mary wrote: “Once you get used to the fact that time has robbed every single one of you of something—or added it in the wrong places . . . you stop thinking about looks [and] start talking about life.”

So much of our time and attention are devoted to physical appearance that it’s easy to consider it the most important aspect of our lives. But the Bible reminds us that God wants us to see ourselves and others differently.

When the Lord sent Samuel to anoint a new king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:1), God reminded him to look deeper than physical characteristics: “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature . . . . For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (v.7).

God’s Word has some harsh condemnation for those who show favoritism based on appearances (James 2:1-2). When we begin to see people through God’s eyes, our focus will change from looks to life. —David C. McCasland

God looks not at the outward form
But what is in the heart;
The beauty He is pleased to see,
His Spirit can impart.  —Hess

Our mirrors reflect the outward appearance; God’s mirror reveals the inward condition.

Bible in One Year: Bible in One Year:   Psalms 23-25; Acts 21:18-40

[MEG33]

Good morning, Mayor..Thank you for our Daily Bread.

[ConorMacNessa]

Good morning Mayor - thanks for the lesson - wise words.

[Billie]

Good afternoon, Java Bear. Thank you for the morning coffee and the food for our soul.

[.30Carbine]

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. —1 Samuel 16:7

I've had cause lately to be reminded of the warnings we have been given in Scripture of the Wolves in Sheep's Clothing...

What does a wolf in sheep's clothing look like?

That's right: a good little sheep.

Paul admonished Timothy: "Watch your life AND DOCTRINE closely."

Oh we must be on our guard in this days, for, as Paul admonished in 2 Timothy 3:12-14

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it...."