God Sees Differently

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. I Corinthians 1:26-27 (NKJV)

God calls weak and foolish things- at least that’s how the world views those He calls. The world picks the best and brightest. Why? Because they look at outward things- accomplishments and how people appear. God, on the other hand, looks at the inner man; the heart (I Samuel 16:7).

The word foolish in this passage means dull, dense, and slow. The world looks down on and makes fun of this kind of people- but not God. God actually hand picks this kind to use. The reason? So God gets the glory for the good things that come out of the situation, not man. As we consider this, we begin to understand what God can do with someone who is willing and available no matter the level of their ability. He can work for and through such people. God is not looking for perfection, just a sincere heart (II Chronicles 16:9). God chooses those who have an undivided heart for Him; a heart that is God-reliant, not self-reliant.

Why are we so surprised when God picks unlikely candidates to do His will? He’s been doing it for thousands of years. And don’t be shocked if He picks you for a special assignment one of these days. Just say, “Yes, Lord. Not my will but yours be done.” After all, He’s looking for willing, yielded vessels- not perfect people (which don’t exist, by the way).

As we understand how God looks at us, maybe, just maybe, we will begin to see others as God does too- with eyes of mercy and a heart of love.