Today’s Reading: John
24 Stop judging by mere appearances and make a right judgment.
Good day!
We make judgment calls every day. We choose to watch a television show or movie based upon a thirty-second sneak preview, or maybe because we like the lead actor. We select books to read for enjoyment based upon topic or because it has a catchy title and cover page. We develop friendships with people who appeal to our own unique personalities. Some are drawn to outgoing, life-of-the-party people, while others prefer a somewhat subdued and reflective person, who chooses to purposely hold back and quietly observe their environment.
It is not uncommon to be judged by mere appearances at work. If you’ve ever sat through a job interview, then you may relate to how it feels in having several sets of eyes fixed upon you, as you field a variety of questions relating to educational background, general knowledge and work experience. The way you answer these questions and the body language you emit will determine whether you are the “proper” candidate for the open position. At one interview, I was seated in a glass-walled conference room, surrounded by an aesthetically modern and eloquently appointed office space. Employees and guests who were seated near this room could see me from every angle, during the entire interview. Talk about swimming upstream in a virtual fishbowl! I met in that room on three separate occasions before I was offered the position I had applied for. We are judged by mere appearances, which may only be a shadowed reflection of who we truly are.
The Pharisees had passed judgment on Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath. They contended He broke the law of Moses by choosing to perform miracles on a required day of rest. Christ inquired why it was permissible to circumcise a young child on the Sabbath. This single act signifies the baby’s identity with the body of believers, who is then accepted as a member of God’s covenant people. Why was it not all right to heal the whole man on the Sabbath, bringing him into a right relationship with the Father, and setting him free from the suffering he endured? Jesus demanded that we stop judging others by mere appearance, but take a deeper look and recognize the truth within them.
I am thankful that the Lord who heals me didn’t pass judgment based on mere appearance. He cares enough to go beyond this shallow exterior of mine and He sees straight into the depths of my heart. No greater friend will you ever find than the One who forgives completely, offering a brand new start. Come to Christ today, and let Him love you from the inside out. He will completely transform your life, if you let Him.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC -
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