March 16, 2009

Read John 7:14-36

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.—John 7:24

Over the weekend I went to see the movie He Just Not That into You with a group of my girlfriends. The movie wasn’t Oscar worthy by any means, but it hit close to home. Collectively, my friends and I have spent hours overanalyzing why we hadn’t heard from guys or why we weren’t that into them. My friends who dabble in online dating sift through dozens of guys’ profiles daily, eliminating some merely for their zip code or evidence of a receding hairline in the grainy picture on their profile!

My friends’ quick judgment is like the Jews of Judea. Jesus was unfairly judged based on their rules and not by the power of his deeds. Not only were his teachings doubted by his brothers, but the Jews were out to kill him! He may have been uneducated and broke the Sabbath, but he did so to carry out the will of God. His intentions were genuine and he did not feel compelled to “be widely known.”

Although we’re often quick to judge people based on trivial factors, we should focus more on the authenticity in their actions and intentions. For me personally, a receding hairline is nothing compared to unconditional love, shared hopes and dreams, and a great sense of humor!

Pray: Loving God, grant us patience and open-mindedness to look beyond first impressions. If we must judge, teach us to see the substance within. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Corey Stranghoener lives 5 stop signs away from The Gathering, with her boyfriend, Brian.