“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

It has been said that when we get to Heaven, there will be two things that will surprise us: those who aren’t there and those that are there. The reason for this is because the Lord judges man by his/her heart. We tend to judge others by their outward actions and appearance. We may assume Mrs. Smith is going to Heaven because every Sunday she’s always on the front pew with raised hands. We may assume her husband won’t be in Heaven because he never graces the door of the church. However, what’s hidden is that Mrs Smith is so belittling to her husband that Sunday morning is the only hour of peace he can count on to get alone with his Bible study.

God judges our heart because it tells of our motives, intentions, and honesty. It’s important to God that our heart is right and we’re not fake or deceptive. Heaven can not afford to have citizens who pretend to be someone they are not. Eternity is a long time to put up with less than honest minded neighbors.

Heaven is going to be full of redeemed people whose heart is set on God, even if their earthly lives were marred by circumstances that made them appear less than perfect.