The Heart of the Matter
October 25, 2024
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
Dr. Billy Graham was once asked: “If you could eliminate one single problem on planet earth, what would it be?” He replied, “Racial prejudice.”
What does it mean to be prejudiced? Prejudice is an attitude or judgment about people who are different from you, and it is often based on limited information. Racism, therefore, is to discriminate against people on the basis of pigmentation, the color of a person’s skin.
Prejudice is in the heart of every human being. In fact, racial prejudice is something that can be so ingrained that you don’t even realize it is there. That’s why it is so important to talk about it. You may be prejudiced and not even aware of how it impacts the way you relate with others.
So how do you get to the source of racism? While racism exists in all cultures, and there may be various explanations for it, none of these get to the root of the problem. And none of these discussions bring lasting change.
Racial prejudice is sin. Therefore it has its roots in rebellion against God, not against man. The heart of this issue is not how people view each other, but rather in how people view God–the Creator of all people.
Today’s passage says that, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) It’s your natural inclination to view yourself and others based on appearance. When you align your eyes with His, allowing Him to change your heart, you will see people the way that He does. When you recognize that He defines how life works best, you will begin to seek His perspective.
How often do you judge people based on outward appearance? Join the heart of God and ask Him to help you see past appearances. You can be a part of healing the evil of racism in your community.
Prayer: Dear Father, Thank You for the value you place upon all people. Please forgive me for making judgments based on appearance. Get to the root of the problem in my heart. Help me respect and value people because they bear Your image. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.