What's on the inside?

A friend recently told me they were looking for a new car. So, I asked the usual questions: What type—SUV or car? What model—could it be anything? What options did they really want above all else? Their answers rather surprised me.

“Oh, we’d love a Lincoln.” WOW! Luxury! She proceeded to list off the options that they really want in a vehicle. I know by now you’re wondering where I’m going. Just stay with me.

As I listened to her, I agreed it was quite the list. I admit, I didn’t think anymore of it. Yesterday she called me and said we got a car. “Oh, did you get your Lincoln?” I asked. Edith’s response was no. They had gone with a much more modest car, and she gave me the make. “Well, that’s a neat car,” I responded. She then proceeded to list the options they were able to get. I felt my jaw drop. I know by the look of the vehicle that it’s a modest car. But the options I’m sure surpassed the Lincoln by leaps and bounds.

I’m reminded that things aren’t always what they seem. Think of those on the street.

Our street friends may not have had a shower, but they still have a heart of gold and will actually give away the meal they received to someone they deem to need it more. They may not have brushed their teeth in days, but if you ever find yourself in an unfamiliar neighbourhood and ask for directions, they would be more than happy to provide you with a safe route to where you want to go. Perhaps they are cold and tired, and you offer them a coffee. Imagine the impact that will have on their self-esteem, to be viewed as an equal. What we see on the outside doesn’t always match the heart of the person on the inside.

My point is never to judge a person by how they look on the outside. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25, verse 35, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” I am reminded of this verse every time I walk down the street and see someone alone, hungry, and perhaps even cold.

Judging a person by how they are dressed or speak means that you may miss out on a huge opportunity to exemplify Christ to someone who really needs it.

~Elizabeth, IVOS Associate