Week of Monday May 18 – May 24
Heart Exam – Man as Chaplain
And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” - 1 Samuel 13:13-14 ESV
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7 ESV
When I commanded Delta Force, I watched highly trained soldiers arrive for Selection who believed they were ready for anything. These individuals were not average troops; they were already among the military’s best. However, Selection was designed to test more than physical strength or tactical skill. It included grueling land navigation courses, miles long marches with heavy rucksacks, sleep deprivation, isolation, and relentless pressure—all intended to reveal what was inside a man when everything comfortable was stripped away.
In that environment, you learn quickly that appearances can be deceiving. Some men looked strong and confident but folded under pressure. Conversely, others who seemed unremarkable on the outside demonstrated uncommon grit, humility, discipline, and determination. Selection was never merely about talent or toughness; it was about heart.
God operates the same way.
When Israel demanded a king, they wanted someone who looked impressive. Saul certainly fit that image of leadership. However, beneath the surface was a heart that depended more on himself than on God. Saul feared people more than he feared God, and eventually his character collapsed under pressure.
David was different.
When Samuel went to Jesse’s house to anoint the next king, David was not even invited to the “Selection.” His own father overlooked him, leaving him out in the fields to tend sheep. But while people focus on appearance, status, and outward success, God looks deeper. He examines the heart.
In the Bible, the heart represents the control center of a person’s life—their desires, motives, priorities, thoughts, and will. It represents who you are when no one else is watching. You might be able to fool your coworkers, friends, or even family, but you cannot fool God. He sees who you truly are.
This is a truth that every man should find sobering.
For Saul, his own interests occupied the throne of his life. His decisions revolved around preserving his image and protecting his position. David was far from perfect, but when he sinned, he repented and turned back to God. His deepest desire was to pursue and honor the Lord. That is why the Bible describes him as “a man after God’s own heart.”
Men, whether you realize it or not, you are functioning as a spiritual leader in your home. Your family, friends, and others around you are studying your life every day. They are learning what matters most by watching what matters most to you. Your life preaches a sermon long before your mouth ever speaks one.
What dominates your heart today will likely shape the hearts of those following behind you tomorrow. If your priorities and passions are misplaced, your family will absorb that influence. But if they consistently see a man who chases after God, honors His Word, and walks in integrity, that legacy can impact generations.
Remember, the greatest leaders are not merely the toughest men, the smartest men, or the most accomplished men. The greatest leaders are men whose hearts pursue God with passion. Those are the men God uses powerfully—in homes, churches, communities, and nations.
So, take an honest assessment today. Not of your image, reputation, or accomplishments. Examine your heart.
Because that is exactly where God is looking.
Heart Exam – Man as Chaplain
And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” - 1 Samuel 13:13-14 ESV
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7 ESV
When I commanded Delta Force, I watched highly trained soldiers arrive for Selection who believed they were ready for anything. These individuals were not average troops; they were already among the military’s best. However, Selection was designed to test more than physical strength or tactical skill. It included grueling land navigation courses, miles long marches with heavy rucksacks, sleep deprivation, isolation, and relentless pressure—all intended to reveal what was inside a man when everything comfortable was stripped away.
In that environment, you learn quickly that appearances can be deceiving. Some men looked strong and confident but folded under pressure. Conversely, others who seemed unremarkable on the outside demonstrated uncommon grit, humility, discipline, and determination. Selection was never merely about talent or toughness; it was about heart.
God operates the same way.
When Israel demanded a king, they wanted someone who looked impressive. Saul certainly fit that image of leadership. However, beneath the surface was a heart that depended more on himself than on God. Saul feared people more than he feared God, and eventually his character collapsed under pressure.
David was different.
When Samuel went to Jesse’s house to anoint the next king, David was not even invited to the “Selection.” His own father overlooked him, leaving him out in the fields to tend sheep. But while people focus on appearance, status, and outward success, God looks deeper. He examines the heart.
In the Bible, the heart represents the control center of a person’s life—their desires, motives, priorities, thoughts, and will. It represents who you are when no one else is watching. You might be able to fool your coworkers, friends, or even family, but you cannot fool God. He sees who you truly are.
This is a truth that every man should find sobering.
For Saul, his own interests occupied the throne of his life. His decisions revolved around preserving his image and protecting his position. David was far from perfect, but when he sinned, he repented and turned back to God. His deepest desire was to pursue and honor the Lord. That is why the Bible describes him as “a man after God’s own heart.”
Men, whether you realize it or not, you are functioning as a spiritual leader in your home. Your family, friends, and others around you are studying your life every day. They are learning what matters most by watching what matters most to you. Your life preaches a sermon long before your mouth ever speaks one.
What dominates your heart today will likely shape the hearts of those following behind you tomorrow. If your priorities and passions are misplaced, your family will absorb that influence. But if they consistently see a man who chases after God, honors His Word, and walks in integrity, that legacy can impact generations.
Remember, the greatest leaders are not merely the toughest men, the smartest men, or the most accomplished men. The greatest leaders are men whose hearts pursue God with passion. Those are the men God uses powerfully—in homes, churches, communities, and nations.
So, take an honest assessment today. Not of your image, reputation, or accomplishments. Examine your heart.
Because that is exactly where God is looking.
- What do you think your family would say your true passions are?
- How are you intentionally guiding your family toward Christ instead of the values of the world?
- Ask God to examine your heart. Allow Him to remove any barriers to your relationship with Him and restore the flow of fellowship.