While going through the book of First Samuel one theme in particular stood out, as far as the heart is concerned. That theme being leadership. It seems the heart of a leader is particularly important to God. In this case I think it’s best to just let the scripture speak for itself.
Stated to the high priest Eli who displeased the Lord, and right before Samuel was called to be a prophet.
I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his priestly house, and they will minister before my anointed one always.
-1 Samuel 2:35
Saul was just looking for his Donkeys; Samuel was looking for the future king of Israel.
“I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will send you on your way and will tell you all that is in your heart.
-1 Samuel 9:19
What we see after Saul was anointed king.
As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day.
-1 Samuel 10:9
Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.
-1 Samuel 10:26-27
What Saul was told when he lost favor in the eyes of God.
But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.”
-1 Samuel 13:14
Samuel was told this when looking for Saul’s replacement.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
-1 Samuel 16:7
Although David was chosen by God to be a man after his own heart, his own brothers could not see what God saw. Consider that when judging your leaders.
When Eliab, David’s oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.”
-1 Samuel 17:28
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