Appearance

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees;[a] for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

We all at one time or another have judged people by appearance. A few years ago my husband and I were on a short vacation on an island in the Northwest. I walked into the local store to get some snacks. There was this kid working at the cash register. His hair was in a frizz and probably about 8 inches high. Many thoughts crossed my mind as to what kind of kid he maybe.

I forgot all about him and went whale watching. We returned the next day to the store and right on the front page of the local newspaper was the picture of the kid. He had been killed the night before by a motorist while he was returning home from work on his bicycle.

In his obituary it mentioned what an exemplary son he was. His Dad had died a couple of years ago with cancer. His brother was studying in a big university somewhere and this young kid took on the responsibility of the ranch his dad left behind, was taking care of his mom, was working this job and preparing to go to college to work in the field of media.

That newspaper article may as well been a hard punch in the stomach. All my thoughts melted at my feet. I was so presumptuous about this kid. I was judging from his outward appearance. The Spirit of God really convicted me of my attitude and it is a lesson I am careful to remember to this day.

As we go about out daily business, meet people; let us remember to be like our Savior.

Let us not judge by outward appearance, by their clothes or unkempt hair or even the by their clothes and well maintained hair. Let us lean on the Spirit of God for guidance on how to approach the world around us and be His light.