Character lies within - 1 Samuel 16-20

We live in a world where outward appearances generate privilege and rank. In our society today we give value to facial appearance, body shape and material prosperity. God is not impressed with the same things that impress us. Years ago when they first began televising presidential debates the younger John F. Kennedy had an extreme advantage over his older opponent, especially among the female demographic. Through the events of the "tube," society would change. The Facebook phenomenon had at its roots a jester way to rate women based upon appearance. We are a visual society. We change constantly what we value but the one thing that stays the same is the medium of sight, vision. Samuel was no better when he went to look for a king to replace Saul. When the old prophet took at look at the older sons of Jesse he couldn't help but see a "king" in their midst. Yet, God did not want him to look at the appearance of the body and the flesh, but internally at the heart and character (1 Samuel 16:7). God didn't want a king that looked like a king, He wanted a king that had the heart of a king. That person was the ruddy David. We make the same mistake so much today. We dress up for work because our appearance so matters. We try to change the shape of our body to make it match the latest magazine cover. We are constantly listening to how we should do our hair, our lips and our jeans. Appearance matters to a carnal world. God, however, is looking for inward character and faith in Him. Let's see the value of character over appearance and look within rather than without. Godly character is first seen in the heart, not in the dress.