God Looks on the Heart

Leadership is important in church and society. What does the Bible say about it? The story of David being anointed king tells us something about the qualities God values. When he chose David God ignored social standing. Not that is unimportant; it is just not relevant to his kingdom. For example: salvation is of grace not works, and when he saves he makes a new creation rather than changing the old. People normally think in terms of social interaction and personal skills, but God looks on the heart. We should not be surprised, for we also value sincerity. He looks for a reflection of his own character. It is a biblical theme, and we see it in e.g. Malachi and the Sermon on the Mount. It is also instructive to see how the old king and the new related. It is said that God took his Spirit from Saul and gave him to David. That reminds us that the Spirit's gifts are means to an end and of less value than his grace - God's character in the heart. It also reminds us that continued obedience is essential if our service is to be blessed. There was a reversal of roles. Saul became dependent on David. Yet Saul persecuted David. That has been the way since the time of Cain and Abel. God's people are the salt of the earth, yet the society curses those who bless it. As we think of the later history of God's people we remember how the later kings failed to shepherd their people, and how the shepherds were the first to bow the knee to the Good Shepherd when he came into the world. It is instructive for us, for we must major on holiness instead of lesser gifts, and keep our heart with all diligence.