Davy Crockett: Appearances

Straight Path in Tobago

In his latest commentary, LCG’s Davy Crockett (who is a descendant of the famous one from the 19th century) had the following:

Appearances

By Davy Crockett |…

The story goes that a couple was sitting at the counter in a diner enjoying a cup of coffee when the husband nudged his wife and said, “Honey, look at that old couple at the end for the bar. Someday, that will be us.” His wife glanced in that direction and said with some amusement, “You realize of course that what you see is a mirror at the end of the bar!” This is a humorous reminder that we seldom see ourselves as others see us. It is also true that our mental image of ourselves can be far from the reality of our situation. This mental image is important in determining one’s progress or growth in life.

We often tend to evaluate people because of their outward appearance. For example, someone who is well groomed, well dressed and well-spoken is usually afforded more respect and attention than someone who lacks those attributes. While this in itself is not an evil practice, it may result in our being misled by some smooth-talking fraud, or overlooking real character and sound values in a person who is not sophisticated or cosmopolitan in appearance.

Certainly, we should always put our best foot forward, and first impressions do last. Yet we must not let this overshadow our appreciation of the vital attributes of good character, kindness and honesty. Taking the time to get to really know a person is worthwhile in determining who he or she really is.

The Bible contains some pointed instruction on this subject, from which we can learn valuable lessons. For example, when the prophet and judge, Samuel, was instructed to select a king in Israel to replace Saul, whom God had rejected because of his stubborn attitude and his failure to obey, God led him to select a young man whom no one had even considered. Samuel first observed one of the sons of Jesse who appeared to be a good choice, “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” (1 Samuel 16:7).

After examining Jesse’s other sons, none of whom God found acceptable, young David was summoned from the field where he had been caring for his father’s sheep. No one had thought of David, yet God saw something in him that others had overlooked. Indeed, David overcame many obstacles over a period of years to become the greatest king of Israel.

James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ, wrote on this subject in the New Testament. “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?” And then, in verses 8-9 he continues, “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin…” (James 2:1-4, 8-9).

What is my point? Just that we should have a healthy, but realistic, self-image if we are to be well rounded as a person. And, very importantly, we should follow the admonition of the Apostle James to avoid showing partiality and judging in our dealing with others, especially based on appearances.

Many have been falsely judged by appearances, and many others have tried to slander/libel others to try to change the perception of their appearance. But God sees all and God will judge.

On a national level, some do not believe that voting to approve such items as “same-sex marriage” is harmful, the Bible says that it is (Romans 1:18-32; Jude 7). People often pay attention to the wrong aspect of appearance.

As another example, while aspects of the US economy appear to be fine, the fact that it has been propped up by massive deficit spending and borrowing from foreigners is something that most people do not know, yet the Bible warns about (Habakkuk 2:6-8). And disaster will come.

Do not judge simply by surface appearance.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about Mitt Romney. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Mitt Romney?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)