Topic(s): Christian Life

"Do not judge according to the appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (Jn. 7:24).    

From time to time we all need to be reminded of this important command. It is so easy to look at a person or a situation and to pronounce judgment based solely on our perception. This is a wrong and potentially dangerous, practice. Families, relationships, even souls can be affected by a casual disregard for this commandment.         

Things are not always what they seem. On the outside, an individual may appear to be strong and confident, yet, on the inside insecurity and doubt possess the heart. On the outside, there is the appearance of an ideal family, yet, on the inside, there is almost continual fighting, hatred, and misery that no family should know.             

On the outside, one might seem very religious in an active and influential way, yet, on the inside, there is a heart of unbelief tilled with hypocrisies.       

It also works the other way. On the outside a person might appear to be perishing before your very eyes, yet, on the inside he is being renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16). On the outside, an individual is being hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down, yet, on the inside, he knows that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise him up with Jesus (2 Cor. 4:16).               

On the outside, a person may appear to be poor, without blessings, and with little hope, yet, on the inside, he has kept the Word and God has written the new name upon him (Rev. 3: 10-12).           

Whatever way you look at others, things may be very different than they appear. The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, has given us a command that will keep us from making wrong and harmful judgments. Do not judge according to appearance - either way!