“You are judging by appearances…” (2 Cor 10:7)

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about the importance of book covers. When browsing in a bookstore, most people will decide if they are interested in the book in mere seconds just by the design on the cover. Ebook covers are just as important because online shoppers devote even less time to peruse your book cover. If the buyer keeps your book in her hand long enough to turn it over and read the blurb, you may have found a new reader.

All of this emphasis on appearance is nothing new for our society. Yes, we do judge books by their covers, in spite of the old adage advising us not to do so. In the same way, we also judge people based on their outward appearance: the way they dress, the way they cut their hair, and even things that are beyond their control such as skin color or ethnic background. Magazines and ads target young girls by giving them examples of society’s “ideal” image when they are only pre-teens. As women, we learn at a young age that unless we look a certain way, we will not be accepted by society at large.

God doesn’t look at our outward appearance; instead, he looks at our heart: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” (1 Sam 16:7). He doesn’t care if we’re short or tall, heavy or thin, or how we wear our hair.

In Matthew 7:16-17, 20, Jesus says, “’By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” The fruit to which he refers are our actions, which reflect our faith and obedience to him.

It is my strongest desire that my actions toward others reflect the love of Christ. I fail at this daily, but I continue to take this struggle to the Lord. When people look at me, I don’t want them to see a woman of average height with auburn hair. I want them to look past that to see my love for Christ and the people around me, a woman who loves to listen to others and share the blessings in her life. And I pray that Jesus will help me see the true person inside of you the next time we meet.

Dear Jesus, help me to treat others the way you would. I want to obey you and have more faith. I pray that my actions will show my love for you. Amen.