DEVOTION / Pretty on the outside
Chinese culture has long captured the attention of the Western world. On the outside, it offers much to admire from a human perspective. Some have called it the richest culture on earth.
Influential art forms
Stunning architecture
Ancient wisdom
Meaningful traditions
Unique cuisine
Much more
Some would ask the question: Why would anyone want to introduce foreign ideas into such a rich culture? From the Biblical viewpoint, the answer is pretty simple: to save eternal souls.
Scripture gives us example after example of how people are often misled by pretty on the outside appearances. It goes back to the Garden of Eden. Satan made that fruit from the tree seem to be a wise decision.
Other Bible examples include...
Cain's gift of vegetables seemed to be a good-looking choice for an offering
A towering piece of architecture looked to be a way to rule the world
The Promised Land looked like it was filled with unconquerable giants
Saul's outward appearance seemed to make him a great choice for Israel's king.
Jesse's other sons seemed to be better choices than a young shepherd boy named David
Appearances often aren't reality. Appearances can mask or hide what lies underneath. We can easily be fooled and misled. Thankfully, Almighty God is not. He sees and knows everything... even down to the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of our hearts. God alone knows every human heart (1 Kings 8:39).
Jesus called the outwardly religious Pharisees of his time whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:27). They looked good on the outside but inwardly were rotten. Sinners – and that's all of
us – may successfully keep others from seeing our sins, but we can't hide anything from God. Even if no one else knows the wrong things we're doing or thinking about others, he does.
Thankfully, God also provides an answer to the evil we find living inside our hearts. That answer is Jesus who took our sins upon himself. His holy sacrifice cleanses us from all our sins. What amazing news! We can live in newness of life inside and outside.
Pretty on the outside is nice. It looks good. It might even make you feel good. Sadly, though, it can also mislead people away from God's desire for all people. God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth are the words of 1 Timothy 2:3-4.
316NOW appreciates the millions of souls of our Chinese brothers and sisters around the world. We strive to share God's truth with them. Almighty Lord, bless our efforts dedicated in love to you.
by Dave Payne