appearance

1 Samuel 16-17
As I'm reading this morning, I notice where Samuel (the prophet) goes to anoint David as king. Samuel has been mourning over Saul (the reigning king) for his disobedience to God. I love this: The Lord said to Samuel, "You have mourned long enough..."
Samuel did as he was told and went to find David. When he got there Jesse (David's father) had 3 other sons. When Samuel saw Eliab, the first, he thought surely this was the one. (Saul was an impressive looking man) Judging by his appearance, Eliab was impressive looking too. But, the Lord says: "Don't judge a man's face or height,...I don't make decisions the way you do! Men judge by outward appearance, but I look at a man's thoughts and intentions."(ch 16 verse 7)
Fortunately, God judges by character. Only God can see the inside. We spend hours maintaining our outward appearance. ( I spend hours maintaining appearances for people for my living.) We should do even more to develop our inner character. Everyone can see your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like. Which is the more attractive?
This really spoke to me today because of the offenses I have faced recently. I have struggled with that. And have prayed God would show me more about this. And today I got it. I know God knows whats in my heart. Even when people get offended by me when I'm not aware. As Bro. Bo says "People who get offended choose to". I have no evil intentions in my heart. God knows that and I know that. Whether the rest of the world knows it does not matter. God is my only judge. I have to remember that.