Howard G. Hendricks, a distinguished professor at Dallas Theological Seminary for over fifty years, said, “When God measures the man, He puts the tape around the heart instead of the head.” So much of our culture wants to measure people by their looks, material possessions, stats, or status. The Lord said to the prophet Samuel, “God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam 16:7b). It is our virtuous inner qualities that impress God and that create a lasting reputation.
Abraham Lincoln had a disarming and engaging ability to laugh at himself, especially his own physical appearance. When Senator Stephen Douglas once called him “two-faced,” Lincoln responded, “If I had another face, do you think I’d wear this one?” Although his likeness is widely recognized, Lincoln is not known primarily for his appearance, but for his courageous stance for the restoration of the Union and the abolition of slavery. He is often held up as an example of remarkable patience, determination, dedication, strong will, compassion, thoughtfulness, and selflessness. These inner qualities are what mark Lincoln as one of America’s greatest presidents. He had a big heart!
When we fill our hearts with what God cares about—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love—our hearts grow. These are the qualities that challenge our character, mature us, and allow us to genuinely love God and others. We might be able to fool others, but if we are insincere in our love and good works, God knows. “Every person’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord examines the hearts” (Proverbs 21:2). In James 4:7-10, James gives us a process for purifying our hearts, cleansing it of impure motives and unrighteousness. We are to resist the devil, submit ourselves to God, spend time with Him, humble ourselves before Him, and repent.
Jesus addressed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside, you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matthew 23:27-28). They couldn’t fool Him, and neither can we.
How we love matters because it is our testimony. Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). More than any message we can preach or lesson we can teach, our love can point others to Jesus. This is why God measures the heart.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
Personal Application: It doesn’t matter how much you know, how gifted you are, or how much you can accomplish if you don’t love others. It doesn’t matter how good your plan is or how right you are if you don’t love others. Consider the way you love others and the motives of your heart. Are you ready for God to measure your heart today?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5