Look At The Heart

Look at the Heart

The LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

We shouldn’t have judged the couple in our small Bible study, but when we looked at their stylish clothes and model looks, my husband and I couldn’t help it. They were nice enough, but they just seemed too perfect. As the years passed, we got to know their hearts, and they became our closest friends.

For many years Amish people’s outward appearance was the last thing people noticed. Back then the biggest difference was within their hearts.

From the time the Amish came to the New World as part of Penn’s experiment, they worked hard, bonding together and helping one another. Each patterned his life and person after the humility and servant-likeness of Christ, drawing inner strength from serving his fellow man.

The bonding reached beyond all boundaries. Everyone stuck together, eyes open to love of God and neighbor, and free from the religious persecution they had endured in 17th-century Europe (the Old Country).

At first there was little distinction between the outward appearance of the Amish and English (anyone not Amish). A spirit of brotherhood prevailed as both groups embraced an agrarian style of life and spoke an unwritten dialect they brought from the Old Country. Both the way of life and dialect originated with German Lowland peasants in medieval times, known today as Pennsylvania Deitsch.

. . . Over time, the non-Amish changed in outward appearance and spoke mainly English. But to this day, the Old Order clings to customs and dialect they carried over from the Old Country.

Do you ever judge others by their outward appearance? If so, make an effort to find out more about people than just what they wear. Some of the deepest—most bonded—relationships can grow with those who appear different. Ask the Lord to show you someone whose faith can be an example to you or whose fear you can calm today.

Dear heavenly Father, forgive me when I focus only on what I can see in others. Show me the hearts of those in my life—and guide me to unexpected friendships as only you can.