We have all heard the idiom: “YOU CAN’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER.” And of course it makes sense. A person’s worth and character cannot be determined by outward appearances. But Christians and unbelievers alike still have trouble following God’s example instead of judging people by their cover.
“Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
But this is when my mind goes to the FLIP-SIDE of “don’t judge a book by its cover,” that we MUST be aware of what our COVER IMAGE says to the world about our faith in Christ.
Yes, there are two tensions trading punches here—CARE or DON’T CARE.
DON’T CARE
“Does this sound as if I am trying to win human approval? No indeed!” Galatians 1:10
CARE
“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1
We resolve that tension by focusing on magnifying Christ “whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:19-20). We MUST care about what others think of JESUS!
Heck, their salvation and eternal destiny hinges on what they think about Christ. And that is why as soldiers of God we must strive to have our life’s COVER image accurately reflect him.
But we cannot be careless about where the FOCUS FALLS. The focus of our COVER IMAGE cannot—must not—be on our gifts or smarts or success or virtue. The focus of our life’s COVER IMAGE must honor and praise Christ.
I ask God to help me always be aware of the need to project his goodness and grace and mercy in the picture I present to the world.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What is your life’s COVER IMAGE telling the world about God?
“If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” John 10:37–38
