Limited Perspective

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. I Samuel 16:7 (New King James Version)

God’s words to Samuel, as he considered the next king for Israel, became instructional for me as I do some soul searching and truth seeking. Which of us have not been guilty of drawing false conclusions based upon that which we can see with our physical eyes? Which of us have not experienced being on the receiving end of such conclusions? There are times when our conclusions fall in favor of another person and times when they go against them. The problem is, one can be just as false as the other.

For decades people drew the conclusion that I was a strong Christian and right with God based solely upon the fact that I carried the “right” Bible, listened to the “right” music, attended the “right” church, spoke the “right” words, fellowshipped with the “right” Christians, and did the “right” things. Their criteria for spirituality was faulty. All those “right” things were easily done without having an intimate walk with God. It was not that I didn’t want it, it was that I just didn’t have it. I somehow felt if I could just keep doing the “right” things it would eventually result in closeness to God. I had the religion of Christianity down pat. Even knew Jesus as my Savior. But I faltered in my daily relationship and connection with God.

Several years ago that all changed and so did people’s conclusions. When I dared to step out of the acceptable “box” I had willingly lived in for so many years I was then labeled as backslidden, rebellious, and a liberal. The part that crushed me and can still so easily bring me to tears was that at neither point could these individuals see my heart. God is tenderly teaching me THAT is the reason I must not seek the approval and acceptance of people. God, and God alone, knows my heart, sees every detail of my life, and has witnessed every experience I have been through. Some know me better than others but NO one knows me like God knows me. Like myself, they are limited and must operate by their five senses. Unless God gifts them with true discernment they most likely will conclude the wrong thing. We all will!

I need to see and be reminded often that the One who knows me best and loves me most is the One whose opinion and favor I must seek. His is the only one that really matters.

Father, whenever I have wrestled with painful issues You have been gracious to settle my heart and mind. May I daily acknowledge my own limited perspectives and that of others. I bow to You as the only qualified and righteous Judge. Amen.

Came to My Rescue - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAMbEPZfWCY

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.