Jesus did not come with impressive appearance or credentials, as a result, the casual inquirers and the religious leaders were offended by Him.
But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. Matthew 23:25
The above scripture is Jesus’ teaching on religious leaders’ appearance and the lack of substance in what they had to offer the people. The religious leaders looked the part. The visible part of them was impressive and pious, but the invisible part of them at best was lazy and self indulgent and at worst a deceiver of truth.
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24
Having a righteous judgment is about putting our prejudices, fears, and ideas aside, in order to be truly open to what God wants to show us. People’s age, gender, color, origin, size, looks, education, income, and gifting should not be our measuring rod. Their value and their significance is determined by the Lord and it should not be based on our prejudices or the voice of the culture.
Even Samuel, the prophet of God, had trouble with judging based on appearance. When he went to Jesse’s house to anoint one of his sons to become a future king, he started, at first, looking at their appearance. He assumed the ones who were equipped for military work must be the qualified ones to be selected as the future king.
It is easy to be distracted and derailed by one’s appearance, but, as the people of God ,we need to pay more attention to the invisible part of the person. We should consider how Jesus sees the person and how He would evaluate the person.
Let’s make the effort and be intentional in seeing people for who they are. There are many unassuming people who are rich in faith and good works. There are also those who look rough on the outside, but they have much spiritual potential. As God’s people, it is our privilege to see in the spirit, value people, and encourage them in the ways of God!
What requires change in your life, so you won’t be swept by appearance!? What areas in your life need a change, so that the visible and the invisible match up!?