But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' (NIV)
The backstory to this verse tells of the prophet Samuel, following God's instructions to go and anoint the future King of Israel from among the sons of a man named Jesse. Each time a son was brought before him, Samuel, pleased with what he saw, convinced himself that surely, that son would be the one God had chosen. But each time, God rejected the person. Why? Because whilst Samuel was looking at the physical features and charismatic nature of those seven sons of Jesse, God was looking at the content of their hearts. He rejected all seven of them but chose the youngest and least expected son, David. David is famously described as the man after God's own heart.
It doesn't matter how beautiful you think you are; it doesn't matter how popular you may be. Your skills, talents and natural abilities mean nothing before God. What God wants is a clean and upright heart. One that is willing to conform to His will and live in total obedience to Him.
You may put on a show in front of others, but who you are and what you do in private is what God is really looking at. Don't get caught up in the physical things, for they will pass away. Instead, develop a pure heart and mindset.
Stay blessed and stay a blessing.
