The Condition of the Heart

“Too small…too short…can’t play…can’t survive…can’t make it in the NFL.” Who were the so-called experts talking about? It was Buffalo Bills quarterback, Doug Flute. He was too small in the estimation of many NFL scouts. Yet, in the Canadian Football League, Doug Flute is considered to be the best player in CFL history, winner of six Most Outstanding Player awards in eight years, quarterback of three Gray Cup champions, holder of most of the league’s passing records (41,355 career passing yards and 270 passing touchdowns).

Who would have ever thought that God would choose a shepherd boy to be king of Israel? “He’s too small! He’s too short! Too…too something! Why, he can’t be king!” Yet that is exactly what the Lord did. God chose David, the youngest, the least likely of Jesse’s sons, because, “man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart” (1 Sm 16:7b).

God saw something special in David that others couldn’t see. He saw that David’s heart was a godly heart. And that’s why David was God’s choice for king, because he “ found a man loyal to Him” (1 Sm 13:14). People are often preoccupied with their outward appearance, clothes, or hairstyle. But to God, the condition of the heart is most important. “What about your heart?” He asks. “Is it right with Me?”

Today God is looking for people He can use in His work. He is looking for someone with a godly heart. This is His heart’s desire: “If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commands, so that they and their children will prosper forever” (Dt 5:29).