You Can't Tell by Looking

Growing Daily

You Can't Tell by Looking

Last week I went to a huge Christian concert in Boston.  Walking through the arena, I was struck by how “ordinary” everyone looked.  Some wore faith-themed clothing, but most looked no different than a crowd at the mall.

During the concert, a young woman seated next to me sang every word while lifting her hands in worship.  She seemed completely at home, like someone who grew up in church.  But when an invitation was given to receive Christ, she raised her hand along with many others.

Going in, I assumed nearly everyone there would already be a Christian, and somehow look the part as well.  That moment showed me how unreliable our spiritual assumptions can be.  We instinctively scan people for signals — the right “Christian image,” personality, or vocabulary.

Samuel made the same mistake.  Standing before Jesse's sons, he was ready to anoint Eliab the moment he saw him — tall, impressive, the obvious choice.  But God stopped him: “Don’t judge by his appearance or height… People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Only God sees what’s happening inside.  The one who looks spiritually settled may still be searching.  The one who appears far from God may be closer than we realize.

Our role isn’t to size people up — it’s to love them, welcome them, and reflect Christ to all.


- Ron Reid