Heart of Character

There is a Prime Video series about "The House of David." They follow along with the Bible Story, OK. Everyone seems to know something about King David of Israel. We especially know about David slaying the giant, Goliath. We also know about David and Bathsheba. Most people do not know why and how God chose David to be the King of Israel. In this message, Pastor Larry shares why God chose David and how God looks at us.

God Looks at the Heart: True Character Comes from Within

We live in a world that places a high value on outward appearance. People are often judged by how they look, how they present themselves, or how well they seem to have it all together. Even in Christian circles, we evaluate character based on visible actions—integrity in finances, faithfulness in relationships, and outward morality. While these things matter, they are not the accurate measure of character.

God’s perspective is different. He isn’t impressed by how well we perform for others; He looks at our hearts. The story of David’s anointing as king powerfully illustrates this truth. When Samuel went to Jesse’s house to anoint the next king of Israel, he initially assumed Eliab, the eldest and most impressive in appearance, was God’s chosen one. But God corrected him:

“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 Samuel 16:7)

David wasn’t chosen for his outward qualities but because of his heart. This brings us to an essential truth: Christian character is an issue of the heart.

1. True Character Begins with a Transformed Heart

Many believe character is about willpower and discipline. While these are valuable, the foundation of godly character is much deeper— a transformed heart. Jesus clarified this when He told Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3:7).

The prophet Ezekiel foretold this transformation:

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

Rules and laws can modify behavior, but only God can change a heart. Christianity is not about performing religious duties—it’s about receiving a new heart through salvation. Without this transformation, the true character cannot be developed.

2. Faith is the Key to Developing Character

We often try to build character by sheer determination, but the Bible teaches that character is developed through faith. Paul wrote:

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Character starts with believing that God is at work in us. Colossians 2:6-7 encourages us to be “rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith.” Just as we receive salvation by faith, we must also walk by faith, trusting God to shape us into the people He wants us to be.

3. Time in God's Presence Shapes Our Character

David wasn’t chosen because of his public achievements but because of what happened in private. As a shepherd, he spent countless hours alone with God, worshiping, praying, and cultivating a heart after God. His character was formed in solitude long before he ever stepped into the spotlight.

Many Christians struggle to grow because they neglect time in God’s presence. We get so caught up in distractions—social media, entertainment, and daily routines—that can squeeze God out of our time. But if we want godly character, we must prioritize time with Him. Our hearts are softened and molded into His image when we worship, pray, and meditate on His Word.

4. Character is Developed Through Obedience, Not Perfection

David made catastrophic mistakes. His affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah, were sins. By human standards, he should have been disqualified from God’s plan. Yet, despite his failures, God still called him “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22). Why? Because David repented with sincerity.

Psalm 51 is his cry for mercy:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Godly character isn’t about never failing but how we respond when we fail. True character is shown in humility, repentance, and a willingness to let God restore us.

5. Revival and Transformation Begin with Personal Character

We often talk about wanting revival in the church, but revival doesn’t start with a preacher, a worship team, or a program—it starts with individuals transformed by God.

Too many believers come to church unprepared to worship, expecting the pastor or worship leader to "get them into the presence of God." But imagine if we came to church already filled with the Spirit from our private time with God. The entire atmosphere of worship would change! If even a handful of people committed to personal holiness and devotion, it would transform the whole congregation.

Revival isn’t about hype; it’s about fully surrendered hearts to God.

True character isn’t about appearances, performance, or external discipline. It’s about the condition of our hearts.

• Godly character starts with a new heart—we must be born again.

• Character grows through faith—trusting that God is working in us.

• Time in God's presence shapes us—private devotion builds public character.

• We develop character through obedience—not perfection, but repentance.

• Revival begins with transformed individuals—we must seek God personally.

So, we must ask ourselves: What does God see when He looks at my heart?

If you long for a heart after God, take a moment right now and pray as David did:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

That is the prayer of true character. That is the kind of heart God honors.

Larry Neville

Larry@praisechapel.com