Deceptive Appearances

We've heard all of our lives never to judge a book by it's cover. That appearances can be deceiving. So why is this a lesson many of us have still to learn? Recently, I witnessed someone critically eying our electronic devices and the TV screen we were using to project missionary video clips. Without even bothering to ask me about them, I heard a muttered "must be nice to be a rich missionary".

Appearances are deceptive, after all.

What they didn't know was that almost all of our electronic devices have been generously given to us over the years. And the TV screen we were using? Purchased used from a friend of ours for a price below retail to replace our 20-some-year-old TV. The one device we actually purchased was for work purposes, to be used in place of the iPhones and Blackberries so prevalent today. Like the iPhone owned by the grumbler, in fact. But what do I know? Maybe someone gave them that phone and is paying the monthly fees on their behalf.

Appearances are deceptive, after all.

When you see someone using their iPhone or iPod during church, do you assume they are playing games or texting? I know I've been accused of such behavior. (First of all, I don't text. It annoys me. By the time pick out a message, it would've been faster to just call.) Perhaps, like me, they are using the Notes app and taking notes. Or keying in prayer requests as they are made. Or perhaps they have a Bible on their device and are following along in the Scripture passage.

Appearances are deceptive, after all.

We judge people on height. Weight. Level of fitness. By how much or how little money they have. By the clothes they wear. By their race or color. We judge people based on their appearance. But what if we're wrong about them?

Appearances are deceptive, after all.