God sees the heart, He doesn’t see the way men see.
And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15).
Oftentimes, we’ve witnessed certain people being promoted, honored, esteemed, and respected by men. However, while men may promote and esteem from the outside, it is God who truly knows the heart. Luke 16:15 tells us that what is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Consider the case of Haman in the Bible, a wicked and malevolent fellow. Haman served as an advisor to King Ahasuerus in the Persian Empire and was greatly respected and promoted to the highest-ranking office in the government. Yet, his heart was filled with hatred and evil intentions.
Haman’s wickedness was evident in his intense hatred for Mordecai, a Jewish man who refused to bow down to him. He even plotted to exterminate all the Jews and spearheaded a decree to annihilate them. But through the heartfelt prayers of the Jews, the Lord foiled his evil plans, and in the end, Haman faced the consequences of his wickedness.
Jeremiah 17:10 reminds us that:
God searches the heart and examines the mind, getting to the root of things.
He sees men as they truly are, not as they pretend to be. Similarly, 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that God looks beyond outward appearances and sees the heart.
So, as you journey through life, be mindful of your heart and intentions. Don’t deceive yourself, thinking that you can deceive others, for the Bible says God cannot be mocked. Let your heart be filled with His righteousness, love, and compassion, for that’s what matters most to God.
Say this:
Dear Father, I thank you for guiding me to walk in faith, hope, love, and humility. Thank you for sanctifying my heart to serve you passionately, pleasing you in all things, as I walk in your perfect will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 16:2; Hebrews 4:12