MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING

Have you ever seen a shoe that captivated you through the glass of a shopfront, and when you go inside and try it on, it turns out to be the most uncomfortable shoe you've ever tried? The same happens in life when we meet people; we are charmed by their appearance, but eventually, their actions show us who they truly are. There’s a popular proverb that says, “Not everything that shines is gold.” Not everything that appears bright and shiny on the surface is actually as it seems. Outward appearances can be deceptive. People can claim to be a certain way, but it’s their actions that reveal who they truly are. For example, a person can claim to be your friend, but when you need them the most, they are nowhere to be found. Words and appearances aren’t enough. Appearances can deceive us, making us believe a lie. Outward appearances divert our attention from reality, deceiving us into perceiving things more valuable than they are. This is the case of a mineral named pyrite; it shines as gold, but it holds little monetary value. It is called fool's gold because many people used to mistake pyrite for gold during the Gold Rush.

An apple may look shiny and perfect on the outside, but when you bite into it, it could be rotten inside. The same happens in our spiritual life; we are easily fooled by people who seem to shine bright, but their light is fake and unworthy. Someone may appear to be a Christian because of what they preach, but in reality, they do not act according to God’s Word. Our actions must align with our preaching for it to be authentic. For example, you can’t say you are a Christian and then hate your neighbor, when God clearly commanded us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.  “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31. If a person selectively obeys God’s Word, following some commands while disregarding others, that inconsistency points to a deeper problem, a lack of obedience and surrendering completely to God’s teachings. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew: 23 27-28. You may say you are a Christian, but if you lack compassion and kindness, your words don’t mean anything. Your fruits are the ones who truly give testimony of real change, not your words. Looking like a Christian does not mean anything if your heart is not aligned with God’s Word. 

Sometimes, people may fool the masses for their personal gain. We must always seek those fruits, be vigilant, and learn to discern who’s being authentic and who is faking it for their own agenda. Here are some tips you can implement to discern and not be fooled by appearances: 

1.   Look at actions above words. People can say the right things, but consistent actions show the true character. 

2.   First impressions can be misleading, so don’t be quick to judge.

3.   Pray for discernment. James 1:5 says God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.

4.   Matthew 7:16 reminds us: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Pay attention to whether a person’s life shows love, kindness, and integrity.

5.   Talk to someone you trust. Sometimes others can see things we miss.

6.   If something feels off, even when it looks good, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. He will guide you towards the truth.

Yes, appearances can look full of light, but we must not be fooled because what’s most valuable is usually not at plain sight, but within. We are called by God to seek the truth, discern hearts, love others, and live with integrity. I invite you not only to look at appearances, but also to look at the fruits of others.  I also invite you to live a life with authenticity and truthfulness.