Don't be Fooled

I put down  the  thin-skinned,  brown-spotted  orange  and  picked  up  a perfect, round navel orange. ‘Don’t be fooled by its looks,’ a fellow shopper advised. ‘The thin-skinned orange will be sweeter and juicier than the navel orange.’ Largely to appease the other shopper, I took one of each. 

Yet, after I arrived home I was glad I took his advice. The orange I deemed as spotty and ugly was indeed the sweeter and juicier of the two. How often have I been deceived by outward appearances, not only at the supermarket but at other times as well? 

How often have I been guilty of judging something or someone as less important – or less valuable or less worthy of my concern – by looks alone? In John we hear Jesus saying, ‘Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement’ (John 7:24, NRSV). That day this Bible verse took on a new, more practical meaning for me. I know for certain now that we cannot take anyone or anything at face value. Truly, it’s what’s inside that matters.

Prayer: Dear God, help us remember to look beyond outward appearances and strive to view each of your creations through your eyes. Amen