Looking at the Heart

There’s an old story, no doubt apocryphal, about a juggler who was driving to his next performance. He’s stopped by a traffic cop who asks, “What are these matches and lighter fluid doing in your car?” Of course, the officer is wondering, “Could this be a potential arsonist, or even worse, a terrorist?”

“I’m a juggler,” the driver answered. “And I juggle flaming torches in my act.” “Oh yeah?” says the doubtful cop. “Let’s see you do it.” The juggler gets out and starts juggling the blazing torches masterfully.

A couple driving by slow down to watch. “Wow,” says the driver to his wife. “I’m glad I quit drinking. Look at the test they’re giving now!”

Things aren’t always what they seem at first glance, are they? The truth is, often we make snap judgments. Sometimes we believe we know someone by the way they are dressed, or by the color of their skin, or by a political sign in their yard.

In 1 Samuel, chapter 16, God says to Samuel, “…the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

When we take the time to look beyond outward appearances, and when we get to know a person’s heart, we often find commonalities. There is always more to others than meets the eye.

Some faith traditions hold that there is that of God dwelling in each and every person. That’s good theology. In fact, an excellent practice of discipleship would be to look for God in each and every person we meet.

Let us pray: Loving God, you created each of us in your own image, and you call your creation “very good.” Help us to honor that image in ourselves and in others. Guard us against being judgmental. Give us open hearts that we might show forth your love and grace. Amen.