1st Samuel 16:6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him. 7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
This passage of scripture warns us of the dangers of looking on the outward appearance, especially when it comes to making decisions on spiritual issues that can have adverse effects on us, if for any reason the wrong choice is made. In this instance, it was the prophet Samuel who was sent to anoint one of the sons of Jesse, who was to rule as the next King of Israel after Saul. But from the start of the vetting process, Samuel made a serious mistake, for he was ready to anoint Eliab as soon as he saw him, for he had a kingly look about him, and his stature and countenance seemed to confirm to the prophet's mind, that this was indeed the next in line to the throne.
But in rushing to this hasty conclusion based on mere externals, Samuel uttered something that was not true, and which could have caused Jesse and his sons to question his judgment, for if he first stated that The Lord's anointed was before Him, and then later changed his tune, questions could have arisen in their minds, and an embarrassing situation could have ensued.
But this mistake that Samuel made is not uncommon to us as Christians, for it is often the case that we make decisions and choices based on what our senses tell us, and many a time, we are found to be rushing to conclusions without giving matters of importance, the due thought and consideration that is necessary, before we make decisions that can cost us dearly over the long haul.
The current leader of the Roman Catholic church exudes a fatherly atmosphere that has the tendency of drawing millions of believers and curious onlookers to his side, and his current emphasis on mercy and forgiveness, seems to seal the deal as him being a God-send to our world, which now lacks a moral and spiritual leader. Thus, millions are scheduled to bow down and worship his person when he arrives in the U.S later this month, not knowing that the word of God has strictly forbidden any such actions. The angel Gabriel who was sent to John stands in the very presence of God, and as such is much higher in status and rank than any other created being. Yet, when John attempted to do him obeisance, he utterly refused to accept such homage, but instead directed John's worship to God, to whom worship is due alone. Let's read:
Revelation 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
The current tendency to go with the flow, simply because of the majority, popular opinion, or simply because everyone else might be doing it, is a system of reaching conclusions that will put many of us as Christians into very deep trouble, for according to the Bible, the true people of God are described as a remnant, and never the majority. The majority of Americans are now in favor of same-sex marriage, and yet it is as wrong as wrong can be, and thus, it behooves us to choose wisely, not merely based on numbers, but rather on the truths that are written in the Bible, because at any given time, God goes with quality rather than quantity.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this sacred truth, and it is the will of God, that from here on out, we allow our minds to be guided by a "Thus saith The Lord", and not by a "Thus saith the pope. Let's read:
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!