The Heart of a Pistachio

For the first 27 years of my life I didn’t like pistachios. Or, at least, I assumed I didn’t. I mean, look at them, they don’t look yummy.

So for the first 27 years of my life, I never even tried one.

When I was pregnant with my third child and suffering through some morning sickness at church, a friend handed me some pistachios. Knowing that nuts can be a good source of protein and can help with morning sickness, I was willing to give the funny green nut a try.

And it was good!

Who knew?!

It reminds me of the verse in 1 Samuel (chapter 16, verse 7,) “man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.” (ESV)

Later, David was called “a man after God’s own heart.” We know that David was far from perfect, and that he had many faults, yet God saw what matters most – the condition of his heart.

In truth, many people who do not love God do great things – giving to charities, loving their spouses, being good neighbors – all good and admirable acts. Likewise, people who love God are capable of making some pretty serious mistakes: adultery, holding grudges, selfishness.

But God doesn’t judge us by these things. (Aren’t you glad?) God looks at our hearts. God sees what our heart’s true desires are, and whether they are for “self” or for God.

Like pistachios, our meat, our real self, is hidden deep within. Fortunately, God doesn’t have to crack us open to see what’s inside. He knows.

You may find that very comforting, or very disconcerting, depending on your point of view and the condition of your soul. Does it make you wonder?

What’s inside your “pistachio”?

{Originally published October 23, 2008; Republished December 25, 2008}