What God Wants | 1 Samuel 16:1-13
What God Wants: The Surprising Lessons from the Life of David
Most of us spend our lives trying to stand out. We polish our skills, work on our resumes, and hope that our talents will open doors. But what if I told you that what God truly desires isn’t your talent, your achievements, or your “perfect” plan—but your heart?
That was the central message in a recent sermon by Charlie Wallace, and it’s a truth that, once understood, changes the way we see faith, purpose, and even our ambitions.
Let’s explore what the life of David teaches us about the surprising things that God values—and how it could shift not just our Sunday mornings, but everything about the way we live.
The Backdrop: Independence, Dependence, and a King in the Making
If you’ve ever sent a child off to college, you know it’s a bittersweet transition. For Charlie Wallace, moving his son into Charleston Southern was a reminder of how life shifts—from the dependence of childhood to the independence of adulthood.
“But following Christ is the opposite,” Charlie noted. While the world celebrates moving from dependence on parents to independence, the journey with God is about moving from independence to dependence—learning to rely on God instead of ourselves.
Why does this matter? Because when it comes to choosing leaders—or even figuring out our own path—what the world looks for and what God looks for are often completely at odds.
David: God’s Surprising Choice
Remember David? Before he was the legendary king, he was the overlooked youngest son, left tending the sheep when the others were paraded before Samuel.
The people of Israel had wanted a king, demanding one like all the other nations. They got Saul: tall, handsome, charismatic, straight out of “central casting.” Yet, Saul failed—not because he lacked talent, but because he lacked a heart fully devoted to God.
When Saul fell short, God sent Samuel to seek out Saul’s successor from Jesse’s sons. Each one looked the part, but God’s answer was always “not this one.” David wasn’t even considered worthy of invitation by his own family!
Why David, then? The answer is both profound and humbling:
“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)
3 Things God Wants From Us (And They’re Not What You Expect)
1. God Wants Your Heart, Not Your Talent
In a world obsessed with skillsets, accolades, and ambition, God’s priority seems almost radical: He wants your heart.
Why?
Faithfulness Trumps Achievement: The mark of success in God’s eyes isn’t a list of accomplishments, but devotion, loyalty, and perseverance. Saul had every external quality going for him, but he abandoned faithfulness, thinking his position excused him from obedience.
Talent Minus Obedience Equals Failure: You can have all the gifts, but if you’re not using them in obedience, you’ll miss the mark. Saul disobeyed by making a forbidden sacrifice out of desperation—and it cost him everything.
Relationship Over Appearances: God isn’t searching for a perfect-looking resume or to reward the “shiniest” follower. He wants a real relationship—someone who truly wants Him.
2. God Wants His Plan, Not Just Your Good Ideas
We live in an age of options. Experts are everywhere (and now, even AI gives us advice!), but how often do we check with God first?
Samuel himself nearly repeated his past mistake, assuming Jesse’s eldest, Eliab, must be the chosen one because he looked the part. But again, God corrected him: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, for the Lord sees not as man sees.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
When we discern God’s plan, there are common pitfalls:
Relying On Our Own Judgment: Proverbs 3 teaches us to “trust in the Lord…and do not lean on your own understanding.” Our best instincts are still nothing compared to God’s wisdom.
Judging by Appearances: We may be tempted to select leaders—or even friends—based on what “looks right.” But superficial judgements miss what truly matters.
Lack of Spiritual Discernment: Are we praying, reading Scripture, and asking for the Spirit’s guidance? Or are we just “winging it” in our own strength?
Ignoring God’s Plan: Sometimes, we sense God nudging us in a certain direction, but we ignore Him because it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or doesn’t fit our timeline.
What works? “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). Put God’s ways above our own plans, and trust He’ll handle the rest.
3. God Wants Your Obedience, Not Your Bias
It’s human nature to have favorites—to think we know what’s best, even in our own families or communities. Jesse assumed none but his older sons were “king material.” Yet God chose David, the least likely in everyone else’s eyes.
Why? Because obedience beats human bias every time. David’s heart—his character, humility, and willingness to serve as a shepherd—qualified him more than any outward trait.
Once anointed, “the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.” God’s favor—His Spirit—is not randomly given. It’s granted to those who are willing to say yes, fully and obediently, regardless of expectations.
What Does This Mean For Us Today?
This story isn’t just about ancient kings or how to choose a pastor. It’s about you and me, right now.
Are you living for appearance or for relationship? Are you trusting your own good ideas, or truly seeking God’s plan? Are your biases blocking you from obeying God’s leading, perhaps disqualifying someone (even yourself) whom God has uniquely chosen and equipped?
God hasn’t changed. He still values the heart above all else.
As Charlie Wallace reflected, “We can have all the skills in the world, all the abilities, but if we don’t have the heart to follow you, we’re not going to be able to accomplish near what you want us to do.”
Your Turn: Surrendering Your Heart
What’s holding you back from giving God your whole heart?
Do you measure your worth by your achievements, instead of your faithfulness?
Are you ignoring a nudge from God because it feels inconvenient or risky?
Have you disqualified yourself—or someone else—based on external appearances, instead of looking deeper?
The invitation today is simple but life-changing: Move from independence to dependence. Surrender your “best ideas” and trust in what God is doing. Give Him access to your whole heart, and let Him guide you—one step of obedience at a time.
In the end, what God wants is you. All of you.
Inspired by Charlie Wallace’s sermon “What God Wants: What God Looks for In Our Hearts.” If you’re hungry for more or have questions about faith, obedience, and purpose, don’t hesitate to reach out or explore the story of David for yourself. You might be surprised what God has in store, just for you.
