Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2001

Subject: Judging a Book by It’s Cover

Good Morning Ethan & Emily:

Our outward actions are very important.  The book of James points this out so very, very clearly:  “So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith.  Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all…it is dead and useless.” James 2:17

But, we must be careful in evaluating and judging others by their external actions, particular those who claim to be Christian brothers and sisters.  Samuel voiced this clearly when he went to appoint a successor to Saul as king among Jesse’s eight sons.  He took one look at Eliab who must have had the regal “look,” and he thought: “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!  But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord doesn’t make decisions the way you do!  PEOPLE JUDGE BY OUTWARD APPEARANCE, BUT THE LORD LOOKS AT A PERSON’S THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS.’ ” 1 Samuel 16:6 – 7

I think this speaks for itself, and the lesson is clear.  It is a simple truth…but we often ignore it in our relationships with other believers:  Get to know someone better before you make an evaluation of them.  “Read the book…don’t judge it by it’s cover alone!”

Have a great day in the “library of life” today.  Be an encouragement to others.

My love,

Dad