OUTWARD APPEARANCE DECEIVES!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY MAY 26, 2024.

SUBJECT : OUTWARD APPEARANCE DECEIVES!

Memory verse: "But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (First Samuel 16 vs 7.)

READ: Matthew 23 vs 25 - 28:

23:25: Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.

23:26: Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. 

23:27: Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful  outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

23:28: Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

INTIMATION:

Outward impression or appearance can mislead. It can mislead or deceive because it may be pretentious in order to make a good impression; the appearance outwardly does not give the real expression of the intent of the heart of a person. The heart, sometimes translated “mind” or “soul,” constitutes the center of human reasoning and thoughts, and reveals what people are really like or what their true value is. The heart is the locus of feelings and intuitions; it’s, figuratively, the seat of emotions—the place or origin of affections, understanding, and thoughts. Things of the heart are inward and hidden, and may not be outwardly expressed in appearance of a person.

The prophet Jeremiah stated thus; “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17 vs 9.) The intent of the heart is invisible or unknown to any other except the owner and God. Consequently, every plans, thoughts, activities, etc. of a person is consummated in the heart, and nobody knows it except the owner and God. And the outward expression of the person may not be the actual impression of the heart.

Your outward appearance might be superb and admirable, while inwardly you may be devilish. For instance, in today’s memory verse, God told prophet Samuel not to look at the outward appearance. God had rejected Saul as king of the Israelites, and sent prophet Samuel to go and anoint a new king He has chosen for the nation of Israel. Saul was tall and handsome; he was an impressive-looking man. Samuel may have been trying to find someone who looked like Saul to be Israel’s next king, but God warned him against judging by appearance alone. 

Saul was tall, handsome, strong, rich, and powerful, but all of this was not enough to make him someone to be emulated because of his disobedience to God. He was tall physically, but he was small in God’s eyes. He was handsome, but his sin made him ugly. He was strong, but lack of faith made him weak. He was rich, but he was spiritually bankrupt. He could give orders to many, but he couldn’t command their respect or allegiance. Saul looked good on the outside, but he was decaying on the inside. 

When people judge by outward appearance, they may overlook quality individuals who has the inner qualities required by God, but rather they may be influenced by the outward physical qualities that society currently admires. A right relationship with God and a strong character are much more valuable than a good looking exterior. 

Jesus, in admonishing the Pharisees, said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16 vs 15.) In the passage we read today, Jesus also condemned the Pharisees for their deep concern about their outward appearance, while their inward attitude is rotten: “Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23 vs 28.)

The Pharisees acted piously to get praises from others, but God knew what was in their hearts. Fortunately God judges by faith and character, not appearance. And because only God can see on the inside, only Him can accurately judge people. Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; while they should do even more to develop their inner character. While everyone can see your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like. 

Nothing can be hidden from God. He sees and understands everything in our hearts. It makes no sense trying to hide any thoughts from an All-knowing God. Instead, heed the advice of the apostle Paul: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12 vs 2.) However, knowing that God knows sinful heart and still loves us should be a thing of joy, not fear, because He knows even the worst about us and loves us anyway.

Never judge anybody by the outward appearance. The outward piety may not really be the inward attitude of the person. Many people pretend to be what they are not, and deceive others by their outward appearance. The intent of their hearts may be devilish while they outwardly appear pious, nice, unassuming and so on. They are ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ (Matthew 7 vs 15). 

All Christians should strive to develop the mind of Christ (Philippians 2 vs 5); to do the will of God and receive His approval and the “crown of glory”—eternal life with Him. My prayer is that we should all strive to be Christlike in thoughts and character.

Prayer: Abba Father, let this mind be in me, which was also in Christ Jesus, that I will do Your will, and my appearance be a true reflection of my inner man, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!