In a world that preaches not to judge people by their outer appearance, it still surprises me how much attention we give to the cover. Beyond these thoughts, we still strive to look good, give so much effort on the physical surface. Yes, we are very much aware of this, but we still tend to be ironically encompassing of what we are aware of. Maybe it’s because of the society that dictates us this kind of standards and norm that we are dealing with.
Our God, on the other hand, is a loving God. He doesn’t judge someone by his own appearance. God sees what’s inside us, and uses it as a proof of our faith.
In today’s article, “The Outlaw’s Prayer” is a good example of showing this situation, judging others by their appearance. Johnny Paycheck, the writer, and singer of the song narrates his experience that would give us a lesson of not judging others based on the physical aspect.
Johnny Paycheck/genius.com
“The Outlaw’s Prayer”: Johnny Paycheck’s Experience
Boy, I could hear that singin’ way out in the street, sure was a beautiful sound
So I just walked up the steps an’ opened the door an’ started to go inside an’ sit down
But before I could, a young man walked over to me an said, “Excuse me, Sir
But I can’t let you in with that big black hat, those jeans, that beard and long hair”So I just left, went back outside, sat down on that curb, an I thought to myself
That’s the house of the Lord, that guy’s got the hell of a nerve
Tellin’ me I can’t worship anywhere I please
So right there, in front of that Church, I just knelt down on my kneesI said, “Lord, I know I don’t look like much, but I didn’t think you’d mind
I just wanted to be with your people, Lord, it’s been a long time”
This is an excerpt from “The Outlaw’s Prayer” by Johnny Paycheck. It is a recitation song that narrates his [Paycheck’s] experience one time he went to church. Although his intentions were pure and religious, he was stopped in front of the church by a young man believed to be a church server. To his surprise, Paycheck asked why the act of the young man. He was even furious when he heard the reason why so. But he kept his cool. Paycheck was surprised that his appearance — wearing a big black hat, jeans, beard and long hair — was the main cause of him not entering the church. Nevertheless, this did not stop him from praying to God even though he did not enter the place. In his prayer, he asked for forgiveness and confessed to the Lord,
“Lord, I know I don’t look like much, but I didn’t think you’d mind
I just wanted to be with your people, Lord, it’s been a long time”
Worry not, God doesn’t judge one by his looks
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
Man looks at the outer appearance, but God is not swayed by appearances. God is consumed with taking over the inner life of man, also known as the heart. The seat of our passions and deepest desires reflects what matters most to us, it shows what we’re willing to live and die for.
Why we are compelled to do something, is more important to God than what we actually do. Both matter to Him, but the “why” reflects character and attitudes that will long outlive the action. Correct motives will always lead to correct behavior. Thus, God looks to heal the inner root cause not only the outward symptoms.
Never Judge a Book by Its Cover
It has been said in many ways that the true meaning of a book cannot be judged by looking at its cover alone. This is true for more things than tomes at a library, including people. No one can truly know the characteristics of the person they are talking to, and sometimes a great deal is missed, just by failing to take the time and look beyond the outside appearances.
Far too often, our assumptions about people are based on our previous experiences, and what we see; often important details are hidden from sight during the initial impressions. Just about everyone has made a snap decision based on these incomplete impressions.
Thoughts: On Judging Others Based on Their Looks
No matter how open-minded a person may claim to be, everyone makes presumptions about others based strictly on first impressions. Seeing someone for only a split second, you find yourself making assumptions on that person’s attitudes, personality, and character. You may tend to notice things about someone’s appearance, mannerisms, features, and their company. These are the things that you may feel are grounds to pass judgment on that person.
On the other hand, I think, rather than judging a book by its cover, we need to read the content of the book and base our judgments on what we see there.
This holy week, I hope that we do not just see what our naked eyes can see. Rather, let us dig into someone’s heart and focus our sight inside them. It is then our true vision will see what our naked eyes can’t.
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Johnny Paycheck, The Outlaw's Prayer