Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Have you ever walked through the grocery store in search of fresh fruit? A classic method for choosing a ripe melon involves knocking on it, thumping it, and occasionally slapping it. If it produces a hollow sound, it’s a sign of ripeness. Yet, how often do we bring that melon home only to slice into it and discover it’s either under-ripe or, even worse, rotten?

This thought-provoking imagery mirrors our external observations of others. Just as we can misjudge a fruit based on its outer appearance, we can make flawed assumptions about a person’s character based solely on what we see. The reality is that the profound truth of who someone is lies deeper within their hearts—a truth only God fully understands and appreciates.

Psalm 73:24–26 beautifully captures this sentiment: “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

As I reflect on this, I think of David, the man after God’s own heart. In our modern culture, we often judge others by superficial metrics—what they wear, how they present themselves, or what they possess. It’s all too easy to form judgments from a distance, overlooking the depth of a person’s character story.

Consider the story in 1 Samuel 16, where David’s father, Jesse, parades all of his strong, grown sons before Samuel, the priest of God, in hopes that one might be anointed as the future king of Israel. Even Samuel is initially swayed by what meets the eye, choosing the first son based on appearance, assuming that God desires strength and beauty. Yet God had a different agenda. He had not chosen based on external factors; He selected the humble shepherd David, the youngest son, to lead His people. The choice astounds those present, reminding us that God’s criteria for selection diverges greatly from human judgment.

We are reminded that our worth in God’s eyes does not hinge on our lineage, physical strength, social connections, or wealth. Instead, His selection stems from love and the longing for us to embrace His heart. In Luke 7:39–50, we see this love manifest in Jesus’ interactions, showcasing that it’s not our actions or appearances that define us but His love that redeems us.

Thus, we grapple with the truth that rather than earning God’s love through our deeds, we should acknowledge that Christ has already granted us salvation through His sacrifice on the cross. We often rush to seek validation—whether from God, the world, or social media. But the real measure lies not in how others perceive us but in how we reflect the heart of Christ to those around us, recognizing them as His creation worthy of our love and respect.

James 2:3–7 poses a challenge: “If you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” It’s a reminder to us all to see beyond the exterior—to value each person as God does.

So, today, I urge you to pause and reflect: How can you strive to be a man or a woman after God’s own heart? How can you begin to look beyond the surface and see the true worth of others? Embrace the understanding that we are all works in progress, reminding ourselves that God delights in and values each of us for who we are—in His eyes, we are truly enough. Let this be your heart’s pursuit.