Devotionals

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Can You Judge a Book by its Cover?

The other day I was browsing a bookshelf for a book that might peak my interest. I noticed something interesting that I’d like to share with you today. Honesty is the best policy right? As I pulled book after book from the shelf I found I first noticed the cover. If the cover seemed to have less than (what I assume) superb cover art the book went back on the shelf. I didn’t give it a second thought, which means I didn’t even turn the book over to see what it was about. The short version I judged the book by its cover!

This got me to thinking, perhaps my way of choosing a book was a little less than perfect. What I saw with my eye either caused me to dig further or simply go on to the next book.

As I drove home with the few books I did purchase (based on cover art and what I read on the back) I began to ponder the idea of judging someone or something. We can relate this in many areas of our lives, but today I’d like you to think just for a moment about the people we come in contact with.

Do we quickly put them back on the shelf without a second thought based on the cover art? If we don’t like what we see from the beginning or the first impression do we walk away? Have we missed out on knowing intriguing people simply because the 1st thing we saw was not copasetic with what we assumed to be a perfect cover?

But GOD told Samuel, "Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. I've already eliminated him. GOD judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; GOD looks into the heart." (I Samuel 16:7)

One day I was driving down the road and happened to pull up next to a car that had a bit of beat going on. I looked over and the young man driving had more piercings than carter has pills. I am honest when I say I was disgusted. My mind raced with thoughts about this young man – then I heard the Lord speak to me and it went something like this:

‘What’s it to you? You don’t even know him and you’ve judged him! Does his piercings hurt you? Stop looking at the things on the outside!’

Then the light turned green and I was forced to face the issue at hand. I was guilty! I had judged the book by its cover and who am I to do that! Purchasing a book based on the cover art is not quite as drastic (although I am sure I’ve missed many great writings) as walking away from someone because they do not fit into my world of what I assume to be ‘right.’

Today we may be faced with piercings, tattoos or purple hair! We must be careful not to judge the book by its cover, by doing so we might miss out on a great deal!

Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it's needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them. Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you. (Hebrews 13:1-3 The Message)

Dear merciful God, we’re guilty! We are so quick to judge those we meet by what I see! We know this is so wrong – so contrary to your Word! Forgive us today Father! Help us to be quick to love and to embrace those we meet – regardless of what we see! Help us to spread your love to those that cross our path – just as you love us!

In Your Mighty Name, AMEN

© Jounda LaMance September 20, 2006

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