I’m thinking of preconceived judgments.
I read a story of a man named George Chase. He lived in a 12 foot square shack in the woods where New England’s Pawcatuck River meets Little Narragansett Bay. To the locals, it was obvious George didn’t have a bathtub. They could smell the evidence.
One day a hurricane brought the Atlantic Ocean rushing over the seacoast, washing away the beachfront with its attractive homes. Survivors pulled themselves from the bay and began searching for refuge. Eleven of them, soaked and shivering, found it in George’s cabin. He gave them everything he had: water, milk, ginger tea, and shelter. After the hurricane of 1938, the townsfolk had a far different opinion of George Chase. (Story from Our Daily Bread-February 24)
Isn’t that the way it often is though? We make judgments based on outward appearances, circumstances, words of others, even our own prejudices, only to find out they are wrong. Crazy isn’t it? We want people to accept us as we are, but we are unable or unwilling to do the same.
Jesus warned us about making judgments. “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” (Mt. 6:1-2 NLT)
That is NOT speaking of having discernment. We need that! We need to know what is right and what is wrong. He is warning us about making preconceived judgments. Be careful of making judgments based on 1st impressions. Appearances can be deceiving.
Some grumpy-faced people turn out to be very kind. Sometimes beautiful people are only beautiful till they open their mouths. Thankfully, God doesn’t look at outward appearances but looks at the heart.
Well said Pam. And no argument here on any of it.
Really boils down with trying to see everyone through the lens of Jesus. Everyone on this Earth are image bearers of our creator, of Jesus. That said, I have been guilty and needed reminded.
That is so true Ryan. We are all image bearers. And we all need reminded of that from time to time.
It is all too easy to judge someone based on their outward appearance. I know I’ve been guilty of that, but with God’s help, we can overcome that all too human inclination. My mother’s family lived through that particular hurricane you mentioned, Bill, and I recall hearing about that 1938 disaster and seeing devastating photos. George Chase was a true hero. Blessings, Bill!
That is so cool to hear about your mother’s family! And I also agree that it is only with God’s help that we can overcome our human inclinations.
Good advice on how our first (and subsequent) impressions say more about us than the person we see.
What a great thought Glynn! Thanks for that. it really does say more about us than that other person.
Father remind us that we are all made in Your image, and that when we judge our neighbor we are judging the perfect image of God. Teach us Lord to repent immediately when we find ourselves in a trap of judging anyone for any reason. Father, teach us as Jesus did, to love first, to learn about the person, and then to get to know them so that we can be a true neighbor without any judgements needed. 1Timothy1:17
This is what we need to see and know Gail: “when we judge our neighbor we are judging the perfect image of God.” Thanks for including that.