“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!“

2 Corinthians 5:16–17 

–

October 21, 2025

Appearances can be deceiving. This maxim is especially true in the age of social media, where deception meets us in every other post. The advancement and normalization of AI now add an even more alarming layer of deceit. Our feeds appear to be real—but sadly, much of what we see is not.  

The rise of digital deception has its foundation in the sinful hearts of humans, who prioritize what is external over the condition of the heart. Scripture warns us about this very kind of deception. Speaking of King Saul, God told the prophet 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, NIV)  

Perhaps this is what Paul meant when he wrote that he no longer regards anyone “from a worldly point of view.” Now, when Paul looks at the people around him, he no longer cares about their outward appearance. Instead, he seeks to know what’s inside: are they reconciled to God? If they belong to Christ, he treats them as members of Christ’s body. If they do not belong to Christ, he calls them to His body. His conviction and ability to do this spring from the glorious truth that he himself is now a new creation.  

Does your heart still judge others by the world’s external standards? The one who doesn’t look like they need the good news may be the very person who needs it most. And the one who doesn’t look like they’ve received the good news may in fact be someone who has it. Appearances can be deceiving—pray that the Lord would give you eyes to see.  

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • Why does God care more about a person’s heart than their external appearance?  
  • Why is it important for us as Christians to consider a person’s heart?  
  • Is there a person in your life that you’ve judged by their external appearance? Make an effort to get to know their heart. 

Church Reading Plan: 2 Kings 2; 2 Thessalonians 2