Things Aren't Always What They Seem

With anything, just because it looks like one, definitely doesn't mean it is one. I think most of us have experienced this at some point, whether with something or someone. I've used this photo as an object lesson. It shows what appears to be 4 quality tennis balls, but don't bet everything simply on what you see. Each of these balls looks like they'd work great for a game of tennis, but unfortunately three of them are flat. Only one of them actually bounces. All too often we do the same thing when it comes to people. We base everything on what's seen on the outside. 1 Samuel 16:7 is a great Biblical illustration for us about this saying, "Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." How easy it is to base everything on how someone looks, rather than what's on the inside and their fruit. I think our culture is far too outward appearance focussed. And just like with these balls, if you didn't take a moment to squeeze and bounce them, you'd be completely fooled. Some of the most amazing people I know are those who are often overlooked by others because of their outward appearance. Yet as you get to know them you begin to see that they're truly gems on the inside, also having great fruit in their life. I'm so thankful that we can learn from Samuel experience. If he would have chosen who he thought should be king, based on outward appearance, he would have blown it. Instead he chose to listen to the Lord and chose based on something more far more important. And just in case you're wondering, the ball second from the left (Wilson US Open) is the one that actually bounces :)