DON'T JUDGE THE COVER

“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

— 1 Samuel 16:7

I’ve seen many books with worn, marred and torn up covers which were well informed, profound and became a wonderful read. Whilst on the other hand, I have witnessed many books with beautiful, perfectly illustrated covers and yet the words fell dead on the floor, full of futility.  

We live in a world obsessed with appearance. Profiles, platforms, presentations—all polished to perfection. But behind the smiles and status, the soul often tells a different story.

When the prophet Samuel went to anoint the next king of Israel, he was impressed by Eliab’s stature. Surely this must be the one! But God rebuked his assumption. God wasn’t looking at the shoulders; He was searching the soul. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

How many have we passed over—dismissed or discredited—because their “cover” didn’t fit our expectations? The quiet teenager who looks troubled, but carries a tender heart. The elderly man in worn clothes who has more wisdom than the latest influencer. The woman whose past may be messy, but whose future in Christ is magnificent.

We are called to discern, not dismiss. Our Lord did not come wearing robes of royalty but swaddling clothes in a manger. Isaiah said there was “no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2). Yet He was the very Son of God.

In John 7:24, Jesus said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” The only way to make righteous judgment is to align our perspective with God’s Word and His heart. That means listening before labeling. Asking before assuming. Loving before leaving.

Perhaps the one you’re tempted to overlook is the very one God is preparing to use. Let us remember—David was a shepherd boy no one invited to the lineup. But God had chosen him to slay giants and lead a nation.