Do Appearances Matter?

“He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people.” 1 Samuel 9:2 NASB

Do appearances really matter? Yes, sometimes in surprising ways.

One recent study, for example, revealed that people have a more positive reaction to people who are tall. For example, on average, the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies were three inches taller than the average male. In fact, every inch of height can increase salaries by hundreds of dollars a year.

These results demonstrate the influence of appearances, often without regard for a person’s true abilities.

Saul demonstrated just how appealing height can be. The Bible describes him as “taller than any of the people.” As a result, he just looked like a leader to Samuel and others.

But God was not impressed with his height, and later rejected him as king. When God led Samuel to select a new king, the prophet continued to focus on appearances. But God told him, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

How easily we can be like Samuel. Focusing on appearances, on how things look on the surface. Influenced by what seems to be true. But the Bible urges us not to place hope in these appearances but to think about the heart. To ask God for His discernment.

Today, ask yourself if you are just trusting in appearances and the opinions of others. Or are you focusing on God and His Word? The Bible urges us not to look at “the things which are seen,” which are just temporary. Instead, we are to focus on the spiritual truths, on God’s perspective, realizing that “the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Place your hope and trust in God!

Prayer: Father, give me discernment. Keep me from being deceived by appearances. Help me to seek first Your Kingdom. Guide me. Use me to impact others with the Gospel. In Jesus’ name. Amen.