DAY 13
GOD CHOOSES A NEW KING
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider how handsome or tall he is. I have not chosen him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outside of a person. But the Lord looks at what is in the heart.”
-1 Samuel 16:7
REFLECT
Israel’s first king, Saul, was tall and handsome, the kind of person who looked perfect for the role based on outward appearance. To the people of Israel, he seemed like a king. But God made it clear that His choice of leaders is not based on what people look like on the outside, but on the character of the heart.
King Saul struggled with deep insecurity, and becoming king brought those inner struggles to the surface. Although he began his reign well, his lack of integrity eventually caught up with him. Saul never dealt with the issues inside his heart, and ultimately, those issues led to his downfall.
When it comes to leadership, character matters most. That’s why God chose David to succeed Saul as the next king of Israel. David wasn’t perfect, but his heart was devoted to the Lord, and he had the integrity needed to lead God’s people.
This truth challenges us to think about where we invest our time and energy. It is easy to focus on outward appearance or the things others can see, but God invites us to prioritize the condition of our hearts. Since He values character above everything else, we are called to pursue a life shaped by integrity, humility, and devotion to Him. When we focus on developing a heart that honors God, it influences every part of who we are and how we live.
DISCUSSION
Why do you think God is more concerned with our character rather than how we look?
What are some things you can do to grow into the person God made you to be?
PRAY
Thank You, God, that You see our hearts and chose Jesus to be our Forever King. Help us to love people like you do. Thank You, God that You have a plan and You know best even when we don’t understand.
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Cut out two hearts – one slightly smaller than the other. The large heart represents what people see on the outside. The smaller heart represents what’s on the inside, the heart God sees. Glue the smaller heart to the middle of the large heart. On the large heart, write a couple things that other people might see when they look at you – your hair, clothes, toys, etc. On the small heart write things that make your heart beautiful to God – like kindness, love, honesty, prayer, forgiveness, joy, etc. You can even label the sides, “What God sees” and “What people see.” Hang it somewhere in your house to remind you that a beautiful heart matters more than a beautiful appearance.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider how handsome or tall he is. I have not chosen him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outside of a person. But the Lord looks at what is in the heart.”
-1 Samuel 16:7
REFLECT
Israel’s first king, Saul, was tall and handsome, the kind of person who looked perfect for the role based on outward appearance. To the people of Israel, he seemed like a king. But God made it clear that His choice of leaders is not based on what people look like on the outside, but on the character of the heart.
King Saul struggled with deep insecurity, and becoming king brought those inner struggles to the surface. Although he began his reign well, his lack of integrity eventually caught up with him. Saul never dealt with the issues inside his heart, and ultimately, those issues led to his downfall.
When it comes to leadership, character matters most. That’s why God chose David to succeed Saul as the next king of Israel. David wasn’t perfect, but his heart was devoted to the Lord, and he had the integrity needed to lead God’s people.
This truth challenges us to think about where we invest our time and energy. It is easy to focus on outward appearance or the things others can see, but God invites us to prioritize the condition of our hearts. Since He values character above everything else, we are called to pursue a life shaped by integrity, humility, and devotion to Him. When we focus on developing a heart that honors God, it influences every part of who we are and how we live.
DISCUSSION
Why do you think God is more concerned with our character rather than how we look?
What are some things you can do to grow into the person God made you to be?
PRAY
Thank You, God, that You see our hearts and chose Jesus to be our Forever King. Help us to love people like you do. Thank You, God that You have a plan and You know best even when we don’t understand.
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Cut out two hearts – one slightly smaller than the other. The large heart represents what people see on the outside. The smaller heart represents what’s on the inside, the heart God sees. Glue the smaller heart to the middle of the large heart. On the large heart, write a couple things that other people might see when they look at you – your hair, clothes, toys, etc. On the small heart write things that make your heart beautiful to God – like kindness, love, honesty, prayer, forgiveness, joy, etc. You can even label the sides, “What God sees” and “What people see.” Hang it somewhere in your house to remind you that a beautiful heart matters more than a beautiful appearance.