God’s Got X-Ray Vision!

Good morning, church! Have you ever met someone who looked like they had it all together on the outside—sharp-dressed, smooth-talking, always knowing the right things to say—but then, over time, you realize… they’re kind of a mess on the inside? Maybe a little selfish, maybe a little fake, maybe just not as nice as they first seemed?

Now, don’t go pointing fingers—we’ve all been guilty of putting on a good show now and then. We post our best pictures on social media, we dress up for church, and we slap on a smile even when we’re having a rough day. But here’s the thing: God’s not fooled. He sees past all the filters, the fancy clothes, and the fake smiles. God sees the heart.

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.”

The Lesson

When God sent Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel, he showed up at Jesse’s house, ready to pick the most kingly-looking guy in the room. Jesse had some strong, good-looking sons, and Samuel thought, “Oh yeah, this must be the one!” But God said, “Nope. Not that one. And not that one either.” He wasn’t looking for muscles or perfect hair—He was looking for a heart that loved and obeyed Him. And that’s how little ol’ shepherd boy David got picked for the throne.

God still works that way today. He’s not impressed by how much money you have, how many followers you’ve got, or how many Bible verses you can quote. He cares about what’s going on inside—your love, your kindness, your faith, your integrity.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Evidence of a Changed Heart

If God is looking at the heart, what exactly does He want to see? Thankfully, the Bible gives us the answer in Galatians 5:22-23:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”

These are not just nice qualities to have—they are evidence that God is truly working in someone’s life. When God changes a person’s heart, these characteristics should start showing up like apples on an apple tree. You don’t have to force them; they grow naturally when you’re connected to Him.

1. Love – Not the kind of love that’s just words, but real, sacrificial love that puts others first.

2. Joy – Not just happiness that depends on circumstances, but deep, lasting joy that comes from knowing God is in control.

3. Peace – The kind that calms storms inside you, even when life gets crazy.

4. Patience – Even when people test your last nerve!

5. Kindness – Not just being “nice” but going out of your way to care for others.

6. Goodness – Living with integrity, even when no one is watching.

7. Faithfulness – Being dependable, committed, and trustworthy in all things.

8. Gentleness – Strength under control, knowing when to be firm and when to be tender.

9. Self-Control – Mastering our desires instead of being mastered by them.

   
   

Why Do Some People Have an Evil Heart?

Now, while the fruit of the Spirit shows evidence of a heart transformed by God, we also know that some hearts are filled with darkness. So why do some people have an evil heart?

1. The Nature of Sin – Ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin has been in the world. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can understand it?” Without God’s transformation, the human heart naturally leans toward selfishness, pride, and sin.

2. Hardened by Choices – The more we ignore God, the harder our hearts become. Pharaoh in the book of Exodus is a prime example. Despite seeing God’s power, he refused to humble himself, and his heart became harder each time he rejected the truth.

3. Influence of the Enemy – Satan is always working to turn people away from God. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” When people open their hearts to greed, hatred, and pride, they give Satan room to work.

4. Lack of True Repentance – Some people may look religious on the outside but never truly surrender their hearts to God. Jesus warned about this in Matthew 15:8: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

   
   

Practical Application: So, what does this mean for us?

1. Stop trying to impress people—start trying to please God. People can be fooled, but God knows the real you. Be authentic in your faith and actions.

2. Examine your heart. Are you focused more on looking good or actually being good? Do a little spiritual check-up and ask God to clean out any bad attitudes or hidden sins.

3. See others the way God does. Don’t judge people by their clothes, their job, their car, or their past. Love them for who they are and who they can become in Christ.

4. Let the fruits of the Spirit grow in your life. The closer you walk with God, the more your life should reflect His character. If you’re struggling in any of these areas, ask Him to help you.

5. Pray for those with hard hearts. Instead of just condemning those who do wrong, pray for their transformation. No one is beyond God’s grace.

   
   

Closing Thoughts

If you read this today thinking, “I’m not good enough,” or “I don’t fit in,” let me remind you—God isn’t looking at the outside. He’s looking at your heart, and He loves you just as you are. But He also loves you too much to leave you that way. So, let’s stop worrying about appearances and start focusing on what really matters—the heart. And as God works on our hearts, may our lives be overflowing with the fruits of the Spirit, showing the world what a transformed life really looks like.

Let’s pray,

Lord, help us to stop worrying about impressing others and start focusing on pleasing You. Search our hearts and make them clean. Teach us to see others the way You do. Grow in us the fruit of Your Spirit so that our lives reflect Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We also pray for those with hardened hearts, that they would turn to You and be transformed. In Jesus’ name, Amen!