The Heart of Man

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God [sees] not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

What is the true heart of man?  We all want to believe that all men are basically good, and that, in their heart of hearts, they want what is the best for all people.  The Bible, however, never points to the heart of man as being basically good.  The heart of man, left to itself, is only evil.  Those who live their lives apart from God are entirely wicked!  The only difference for believers is the change made in their heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Even Jesus said, “Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good.” (See Matthew 19:17a; Mark 10:18)

In 1 Samuel, God has decided that He will replace King Saul with someone of His choosing because of Saul’s disobedience.  He sent Samuel to anoint the one that God points out from among the sons of Jesse the Bethlehemite.  When Samuel sees Jesse’s firstborn, Eliab, he fully expects to hear divine confirmation right away.

But God quickly lets Samuel know that He is basing His choice on internal, invisible criteria.  Saul—the people’s choice—looked the part of a monarch, but he failed as king because his heart was far from God.  It was David—“…ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance” and a man after God’s heart (See 1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Samuel 16:12)—upon whom the anointing oil is poured.  And it is David upon whom the Holy Spirit descends (See 1 Samuel 16:13), that he might be strengthened to reign over God’s people. 

Outward appearances only mask the real nature of a person.  We cannot go by what we see externally in knowing the real spiritual condition of a person.  How they dress, how they behave, how they speak are only outward signs, and they do not show the true spiritual condition of a person.  The true nature of a person is buried deep within one’s heart; not the beating blood pump, the actual part of the person that only God can openly read.  The “heart” is the true nature of a man that will prevent or permit him from doing certain things.

Jesus knows the real “heart” of a person.  He is the expert on the condition of man, and He tells us that nothing outside one’s body can contaminate the true attitude of a person.  Eating certain foods, drinking intoxicating drinks, and even other outside enticements do not defile anyone.

In the case of food and drink, they go in and latter are discharged from the body.  It is the condition of the heart that allows any improper behavior.  And that is why we all need Christ.  Because only Christ, the perfect man, and perfect God, is able to bridge the gap between God and man.  When we accept Christ as the only One who can save us from death brought on by our wickedness, we receive the righteousness of Christ.  When God looks at born again believers, He does not see their sin, but rather sees the righteous blood of Christ.

How does all of that work?  I know only that this is one of the great mysteries of life!  But this I do know, once I was lost with no hope for rescue, but now I have been found and with it has come all of the blessings of Christ, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

A well-developed character will have “the mind of Christ.” (I Corinthians 2:16b)  It will be determined to do what the Holy Spirit wants him to do.  The proper mind will be fixed on doing only what pleases God, and will be most uncomfortable in doing anything that does not please Him.  The mind that is fixed on righteousness will not be altered by any outside influence; it will be influenced only by the indwelling Spirit of God.

So, let us not despair.  Though the heart of man is desperately wicked, the heart of Christ is filled with joy and peace, forever!  Let us reach out then, not for the heart of man, but for the heart of Christ!

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