PEOPLE ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR

People and things are not always as they appear. I have seen older men walking around in torn, dirty clothes that are millionaires. And, on the other side of that coin, I have seen people living in large homes and driving new cars that are up to their eyeballs in debt. Some people feel the need to keep up appearances, and some people know that it is who you are inside that counts. I have always been fascinated that the Lord called on everyday people to carry out his work. But, the Lord did not stop with the ordinary. He sometimes called on people that we would not invite into our homes, much less listen to preach. When is the last time that you invited a prostitute or a murderer over for dinner?

Flawed Biblical Heroes:

• Moses – Had a speech problem and was a murderer.
• Adam – Blamed someone else for his actions.
• Paul – Persecuted Christians before becoming one.
• Abraham -Was old.
• Elijah – Was suicidal.
• Joseph – Was abused.
• Job – Went bankrupt.
• Noah – Liked to drink a little too much.
• Gideon – Was afraid.
• Samson – Was a womanizer.
• Samaritan Woman – Divorced.
• Jeremiah – Was young.
• Jacob – Was a cheater.
• David – Hid his adultery with a murder.
• Jonah – Ran from God.
• Rahab – Was a prostitute.
• Peter – Denied Christ three times
• Martha – Worried about everything.
• Zacchaeus – Was small and money-hungry.
• The Disciples – Fell asleep while praying.

Matthew 5:16

¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Some of you might have heard that Kayne West has become a Christian. There are many who a skeptical of his intentions. They wonder if there is a reason, other than worshiping the Lord, that he has headed in this direction. I admit that I was guilty of thinking the same thing, but I don’t know Mr. West, and who am I to judge? I saw an interview with him, and he said that “Christians” are the ones who give him the hardest time. Is that how the way that we should treat other Christians?

Matthew 7:1-5

7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Can you imagine what people had to say about Paul? Paul, the Apostle,  is considered to be one of the most critical people in Christianity, other than Jesus. Paul is credited for writing between 8-13 books of the Bible, which can account for almost 1/3 of the Bible. The Lord thought so much of Paul that He gave healing powers to items that he touched. I am pretty sure that there were a lot of people scratching their heads when he started preaching about Jesus.

I am glad that things aren’t always what they appear to be, and that the Lord knows your heart. My preacher shared this with us last Sunday, and I thought it was appropriate for this post. My preacher is a HUGE Lousiville Cardinals fan, but on Sunday, he was preaching in a University of Kentucky sweater. He said that if someone had just met him, they would assume that he was a UK fan. He knows all about their older coaches, their players, and he could talk to them about sports stats. They would leave thinking that he was crazy for the wildcats. But, nothing could be farther from the truth.

I am thankful that the Lord doesn’t make judgments about our outward appearance. He doesn’t care if we are tall or short, thin or plump, blonde or brunette, or male or female. He calls, and if you answer, then He will use you. You don’t have to be trained, educated, or talented for the Lord to use you for His work. You only have to be willing.

I hope you have a great day, and that you have already answered His call.

Have A Blessed Day!