“The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”    1 Samuel 16:7 (NRSV)

She laid broken and still on the pavement with tattered bags and her eclectic belongings scattered around her. The strangers who happened by stared coldly, walking at a distance so as not to get too close. Would anyone stop to help this nameless, faceless, homeless soul?

At another time and place, a similar scene unfolded with a very different outcome. She laid broken and still on the pavement with the contents of a large designer handbag and neatly packaged purchases of worth strewn nearby. Several strangers purposefully move closer to offer assistance and reach out to help. Who wouldn’t stop to help this soul?

Two very similar situations with very different reactions. The only real difference here was the outward appearance of the two. One less desirable to society than the other and one more privileged. 

I admit it. I’ve done it. I have walked away, averted my eyes, found a reason to be somewhere else when there was something or someone unpleasant that I did not want to face. Have you?

Why is it that so much value is placed on the surface when we know the real gold, that which is most valuable, is buried deep within? 

I think I know the answer. It’s easy.

It’s easy to make quick judgments and move on. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of past experiences. It’s easy to look the other way.

Let’s face it – The example Jesus gave us through his life was hard. 

To live like Jesus is hard. To get involved and truly see others is hard. It’s hard because it means becoming involved.

It’s easy to judge people at face value. It’s hard to look at their heart … But that is what God teaches and challenges us to do.

Considering today’s verse, challenge yourself. Look hard.

Look on the heart of each person you meet. Look past the hard exterior, the harsh demeanor, the ugliness that sometimes takes over and find the heart. 

It will change yours.