Father God, is it not said that You look not unto the appearances — being that which one can see — but unto the heart — being that which the natural eye cannot apprehend? For who, but the living God, has ever seen a man’s heart? Who, but God alone, has even seen a man’s heart for what it is?

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”” 1 Samuel 16:7.

And is it not true that You, the great I AM, hold a man’s soul as exceedingly dear? More precious than gold and silver? For is the soul not the creation of Your own hand? For is it not written: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14.

And is it not true that a soul is so precious to God, that God says there is nothing a man can give in exchange for his soul? “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26.

And have we not been called to love what You love? And hate what You hate? To hold dear what You hold dear? For are we not all in the ministry of the salvation of souls? Is it not written: “He who wins souls is wise.“ Proverbs 11:30. And isn’t wisdom the chief thing? “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7. Does that then not mean that saving souls is then the principle thing? And does this not, in itself, prove that in value, that the soul ranks supreme and sovereign in the estimation of our LORD our God?

Yet, which man has ever even laid eyes upon the priceless treasure of a soul? That he may be wise and save a soul?

Open my eyes, my LORD my God,

And my heart,

That I may see the face of a soul,

And run my finger across its cheek,

And speak words of love to its being...

And life to its bones...

That I may learn to love a soul as You do!

Which begins with being able to see what You see!

Which is not unto the appearance of man!

But unto the heart!