Not swayed by appearances!!!

Mark 12: 14 "Jesus was not swayed by appearances.."

'Appearance is everything' may sound like a hyperbole; nevertheless, it is the truth today. We live in an era of 'artificial-made-up-face-pack' world.  Several hours are consumed in beauty treatment, skin- care and hair-care. Extravagant branded clothes, Gucci bags and other things are sought to add value to your life.  Lakhs are spent on such frivolous stuff but these people lack quality in their lives. What is that? Their Character, financial stability and morality are downhill.

But today we are discussing about our Saviour who was not swayed by appearances. It didn't matter to Him, His eyes were probbing deep into your heart. He knows how you look at the girl sitting next to your office cabin, how you flirt with that guy, yet, you act pious - God knows it all.

Jesus judged people by their actions and hearts rather than by their social status, power, or physical looks. 1 Samuel 16:7,  says "man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart". Hallelujah!!  I know of people who weep, lift their hands, kneel and do everything inside the church but their character changes when they step out into the world. They mock, guffaw, criticise, scream, yell and do everything like the world. Church is filled with such hypocrites today.

There are men who think that God just watches only the daring and glaring sins but turns a blind eye to the others. Not so, let me very clearly point out that He watches all! God is watching when you evade payment of income tax, God watches the black money stacked in your kitty, He watches when you wickedly connive and claim money from your company through false bills and vouchers. He watches when you stretch your hand to give/receive bribe, He watches when you lie and curse, He watches when your eyes rove lustfully on dirty things, He watches when you speak on your mobile and also when you chat on the Face Book. May be you ask, ‘is that wrong Bala?’ Come on, you know the answer to that one, right? Be holy/sincere at all times! Doing such things at your office is also wrong. Extended lunch breaks/tea breaks/ wastage of office time are all an abomination to the Lord. He watches over you! Beware! Anybody listening? David said (Psalm 139:1) ‘O LORD, You have searched me and known me.’

Married men/women listen to God’s voice today! When you chat long with someone or when you email a person regularly or when you send 1000 sms to a person other than your spouse; watch out, you may be unconsciously treading into prohibited area. Never ever have any close relationship outside marriage. This would surely, surely lead you to sin, be 100 percent sure on this.

The Lord said:”……I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.” (Revelation 2:23)