Things Are Not What They Appear To Be

Many years ago while employed by a large company in Anchorage, Alaska, I learned a valuable lesson that I have never forgotten.

Sprawled in large letters on the blackboard in the employee break room were the words, “THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY APPEAR TO BE.” It was drilled into our heads that we were to “assume nothing” and that open communication was a must.

Whether or not our position seemed important or insignificant, everything hummed along quite smoothly when we all worked together as a team. We learned quickly that there was no such thing as an insignificant position.

What about church?

Sometimes, as I walk through the front doors of the church, my heart is troubled; my thoughts far away. I mindlessly make my way through the maze of people in the foyer, through the doors of the sanctuary, plopping into my seat; hair in place, smile on face, children all in a row. Things are not what they appear to be.

Other times, I pray in the back room prior to service and my heart hurts for the people who are walking through the front doors of our church, and churches across America. I know there are those whose hearts are broken and whose faith is hanging on by a thread. They want to give up; but something called hope forces them through the doors, perhaps for the last time, in a desperate attempt to be seen and to be heard.

They may look polished and poised. They may have a smile on their face. They may look unapproachable or unfriendly. There are many “faces” one wears when full of pain or shame or heartbreak—only God can see to the truth that lies within. However, if we take time to look into the eyes of those who cross our paths, we may see that things are not what they appear to be.

There is no such thing as an insignificant person, just as there is no such a thing as an insignificant position. In order to reach the lost, the broken, and those without hope; we must assume nothing as we link arms, working together as a team.

God used a prostitute for His glory. God used a man whose bad attitude led him to a three-day-stay in the belly of a great fish. God used Moses and Abraham in their old age. God used Samuel when he was just a boy. God used David mightily although he was both an adulterer and a murderer. God used Ruth when she was a grieving widow and Joseph even though he was boastful.

From appearances, not one of the above mentioned men or women were qualified to be used by God. The Word of God doesn’t reveal their sins or weaknesses so that we can feel better about ourselves; but rather so we may more clearly identify with the real issues of our own hearts. In so doing, our hope is renewed as we see God’s ability to see past our humanity.

In the moments when we are willing to admit the truth regarding the depravity of our own hearts, God chooses to use our brokenness to reflect His love to others.

The next time you make your way through the maze of people in the foyer, through the doors of the sanctuary, plopping into your chosen seat, take a moment to look into the eyes of those around you, and remember…THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY APPEAR TO BE.


Stay the Course...

Sheila Cote