Appearance and Heart

Dear brethren,

Today's readings:
1Samuel 15,16; 1Chronicles 1; Psalm 39; Acts 11


1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

And many will often use this excuse to brush off accusations or justify personal desires.
Appearance does not matter? Really? What do we read of David who is supposedly a man after God's own  heart (1Sa 13:14)? Observe  1 Samuel 16:12 -
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

Seems like David is goodly too! But then again what do we read of Jesus? In Isaiah 53:2 -
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

So what is the point? The point is that we should keep things in context and in perspective. God was addressing Samuel's viewpoint and using that to drive home the fact that it was most important that a person's heart be right with God. In no way are we to use that to justify whatever we like to do and label them as unimportant because "God  sees our hearts"!
The correct heart will always motivate correct action. And the godly person with a true heart will always see to do so in a humble manner and not insist on his own way and dismiss any form of criticism.

An excellent example is seen in the reading in Acts 11. Here, Peter was falsely accused of keeping inappropriate company. Couple of things here -
1) In spite of the seemingly petty attitude of the Jews, judging by the outcome, they were most likely approaching from the angle of trying to clarify rather than as the Pharisees were with Jesus, to merely find something to accuse. What further is commendable is the biblical approach of seeking out the party involved to clarify (c.f. Mat 18:15), rather than murmur among themselves.
It's not difficult to imagine in today's situation, the accusers would have started blasting Peter on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and what not social media you have, making things go viral and haywire!

2) No ONE, not even the venerable Peter is above board! And yes, if we truly love one another, it is our responsibility to seek clarification and if necessary correct and make right. There is no "close one eye" or "sweeping under the carpet" where spiritual matters are concerned! But of course, all to be done in humility and spirit of meekness.

3) Peter's response to criticism is exemplary. There is no need to beat one's chest or give prideful excuses like "God knows my heart". Just simply clarify! In other matters, it could very well be that we are misled or mistaken. Shouldn't we be glad that someone is pointing out our mistakes? Otherwise, calmly and humbly explain. And then...

4) Make whatever adjustments in attitude/action. If emotions got high, bring them back, apologise, make right, and MOVE ON! No bad blood, no bad mouthing thereafter, no prejudice! At the end of the day, we must all emerge stronger and closer to God and one another.

So let us continue to be humble and teachable, never bite and devour but be kind and tender hearted, yet never sweeping things under the carpet, and develop true godly love by seeking the welfare of others and help one another attain our heavenly goal.