We should be people of substance. And we know this. We understand we shouldn’t judge solely on appearance. We say things like “Don’t judge a book by its cover” and “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” We say such things, but do we believe them? Are we more concerned with substance than appearance? Is there real character, especially in our spiritual lives, or do we just put on a show?
In 2 Corinthians 5:12, Paul wrote, “…we are rather giving you a chance to show yourselves proud of us; then you will have something to say to those whose pride is all in outward show and not in inward worth.”[1] Some in Corinth put on a good show—they looked impressive and righteous, but their religion was shallow and powerless. Don’t be content with an outward show. Let God’s Word guide and transform you so that you have genuine, meaningful, inward worth for the Lord.
[1] REB