Appearances or Substance

Too often people make decisions and judgments based on appearances rather than substance. Human nature likes what looks good rather than what truly is good. Christians also too often follow the world on what looks successful according to the world, rather than according to God.

The scriptures referring to Jesus said, “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2). In other words, Jesus was not overly handsome. He was quite plain. He had beauty but it was not physical beauty. When Jesus went to the cross after he was tortured and whipped and hit this is what is said of Him, “As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind” (Isaiah 52:14).

Sin looks attractive but along with sin come consequences. The Bible even admits there is pleasure in sin for a season. (Hebrews 11:25) Drugs look like a great escape for the addict, but it bring bondage.However, with the substance with the Lord there are even greater and long-lasting pleasures. The Bible says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). However, we must get past the magical approach to God, thinking we can get and demand what we want from God. We must get past being a user.

When Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the garden to eat of the forbidden tree the tree of the experience of good and evil, this is what Eve said to herself; “ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and also gave some to her husband” (Genesis 3:6). Jesus said, “Do not judge by appearance but judge with right judgement” (John 7:24). In other words, don’t make decisions on truth and right and wrong only on what appears pragmatic, or appears good, but make it on what is truth and what has substance. We must make judgements on what is right and wrong and what is truth and what is error. If we don’t the Bible calls us a fool. (Proverbs 12:15)

Unfortunately, many churches have the appearance of success and people enjoy the messages, but they have little gospel substance. They are entertaining but those churches are making customers rather than disciples. Jesus said this to the some of the religious leaders of his day; ““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” (Matthew 23:27). They outwardly appeared beautiful, but they were not truly in tune with God. They were doing their own thing.

In the book of Revelation in the Bible, God rebukes five of the seven churches which represent issues in all churches throughout history. In Chapter 3 addressing the church at Sardis there were a few that remained pure and loyal. The church had the appearance of success but this is what God says to them; “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17). You might think from the book of Revelation that God is kind of negative about the church. However, God is very concerned about the purity, loyalty and love of His church.

The churches were called to repentance. Where in the worship time is time for people to in quiet prayer to confess their sin to God? Where is the time for corporate repentance? We also need the preaching and teaching with substance. We need to hear about sin and repentance, about the penal substitutionary atonement and even about heaven and hell. Otherwise, we ain’t preaching the gospel and yes, we need to hear about God’s grace and love in this context.

We have an election coming up. Are we going to again judge by appearance or judge by right judgment? The spin doctors are certainly good at what they do and so is Satan. Hopefully we can see past appearances.

Jesus was tortured, mocked, ridiculed and died a horrible death on the cross and it didn’t look to successful to the world. However, it is the greatest event in human history. (Matthew 27:46) That the all-powerful God would humble Himself in this way and in love take our place to satisfy divine justice is beyond our human perspective. He looked like to the world as a great failure. Are you okay looking like a failure to the world to be successful with God? God values are far different than man’s. When you as a Christian have to give account at the judgement seat of Christ will you be a success with Jesus or will your life be largely wasted? (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Jesus’ death and resurrection means that we can be raised from spiritual death, if we truly repent and place our faith in Jesus to bring us into a life-giving love relationship to God the Father. How do you want your life to count? Do you seek the honor of men or God? Are you moving toward being a success with God. The world may not honor you or even other nominal Christians. You may even be rejected by God’s people like the prophets of old. People are envious of Godly people and they want to put them down and try to prove that they are better. You can get on the Jesus Road today and be on the road to be a success with God. However, it will require great diligence and focus.

Appearances will be a big thing toward the end of time. The Bible says, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Are you done with living your life by appearances and what will it look like for you life to live with substance with God? It certainly will mean developing a life of prayer and study of God’s word. Memory of Bible verses is very beneficial. It will mean making evangelism and discipleship a lifestyle of initiative and boldness. “Go… and make disciples….(Matthew 28:19-20). It will mean loving God more and more each day and loving people with God’s love. It means living with substance by walking in purity and loyalty to and with Jesus. You really have to choose one or the other—appearances or substance.