1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

But God is not impressed
I. 3 Facts of HUMAN LIMITATION

Fact #1 By Default, We Judge by Externals

1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 

Fact #2: We struggle to See Our Own Hearts Clearly

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

"God, I thank you that I am not like other people." 

Fact #3 - This Weakness leads us to be judgmental

Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

II. Facts on How God sees us 

Fact #1 Nothing is Hidden from God

Hebrews 4:12-13: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Fact #2 God Knows What is Genuine

Matthew 15:8 (Isaiah 29) "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."

Luke 16:15: "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight."

Matthew 22:37-38: "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."