No matter how many times, or how many ways scripture reiterates this idea, we still get caught up in mere appearances. It just seems to be human nature to fixate on the surface, because the secular world has taken this superficially to new heights lately. Pop culture makes identity mostly cosmetic, in other words less than skin deep. Hollywood merely shoe horns in the right demographic of people into old stories, and only represents them in a visual way. Washington DC only addresses the symptoms of issues, yet never really considers the cause of problems. Yet, why should they know better, when the church is setting such a terrible example.
We ultimately judge on mere appearances because it is what we can plainly see in others. But we also know that is what others see in us. Yet we seldom consider that others are employing just as much camouflage and falsehoods as we are to avoid or deflect said judgments.
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” -John 7:24
Of course, judging correctly would mean getting involved in the messy lives of others. It means turning that discerning eye on self as Matthew 7 teaches us. It may also make us realize, that what bothers us the most about others, is what resembles our own hearts. Then we might actually empathize and want to help, instead of just criticize.
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