Man looks at the Outward Appearance
Written in 2023
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7
Five huge lessons.
People can project who they are not. Most of your disappointments will be with people who look good on paper but do not rise to the occasion.
Most people are playing a status game. People will judge you based on impressions, how you look, where you schooled, where you worked, the neighborhood you live in, how you made them feel. They will pick Harvard over Unilag. Investors will pick a YC company over most other startups. Use social signals to your advantage.
Don't get lost in status games. The best approach to life is to be a person of value at your core and to communicate that effectively. Don't fail God's test. But don't fail man's test either. Integrity is when your appearances are not a shadow. Authenticity is when your life is an outflow of your values. Personality must build on character. Be the type of person that can deliver on your reputation.
Don't judge people only by appearances. Judge the way God judges. That's the only way you're going to uncover greatness in others. Many rockstars don't look like it. Most geniuses will come with quirks. You will never know if you do not see diamonds in the rough. Would you recognize King David if you met him in the wilderness? Give people a chance as much as possible.
Life will demand that you own and tell your story. The man in the wilderness used the wilderness experience as a stepping stone to confront goliath. He learnt lessons and acquired skills in the wilderness that helped him in real life. When King Saul asked David "What are your credentials? Why should I trust that you can take on Goliath?" The man answered "I fought lions and bears with my bare hands, it was internship for this giant".