Appearances Can be Deceiving

Have you ever had an instant urge to buy something because you were enticed by its appearance?  Or has something really looked good to you and the salesperson just told you how much you needed the item?  Maybe someone said how good you looked when you just came out of the hair salon.

Many people make their livelihood by getting you to buy something based on its appearance.  One area I was drawn into is that of the dreaded “timeshare”. Within 90 minutes the salesperson convinces you that you will impress others by being seen on the balcony of “YOUR” condo.  Then they add that this special deal is available only to you today.  So, do you crumble or do you stand your ground?  

Many of us allow “impulse” buying to take the upper hand in our lives.  The same is true about our decisions regarding people we know and those we see for the first time.

While directing a Christian Camp and Retreat Center, one of the leaders for a Senior High week planned this event.  It was Sunday night and the kids had gathered around in the chapel area for their icebreaker.  When the leader began his first thought, a young man walked in the back of the room.  It appeared that he had very little clothing to his name and was greasy and dirty from the lack of hygiene.  He walked halfway up to the center of the room and found an empty chair.  Immediately kids began moving away from him and gave him looks that could kill.  After about three minutes the leader stopped and quoted Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:7 - “The trouble with you is that you make your decisions on the basis of appearance.”  Then the leader introduced his friend, who was the freshmen student president of a large university.  The campers were silent as the leader explained how we should not make any judgment calls based on appearances.

We draw conclusions about people we know very little about.  We see an action in public and determine that it is their lifestyle.  Without knowing the real story and details, we make a judgment based upon appearance only.

 

When you meet someone for the first time, try not to make an impulse judgment based solely upon their appearance. Take the time to get to know them.  Find out their strengths and weaknesses. Love them where they are today.  In showing God’s love and grace to them, you will make a friend, learn a new truth about life and grow in wisdom.  Something that you might not have otherwise ever experienced because appearances can be deceiving.