'Don't Judge a Book'

Have you ever looked at someone or heard them speak and immediately thought 'not sure about them' forming an opinion without even knowing them? To my shame I have. Someone speaking about something personal/upsetting and we are not really listening, we have just 'switched off' from them. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a publican (tax collector) who go to the temple to pray. The Pharisee, self-righteous and focused on his own good deeds, prays about how superior he is to others. The publican, recognising his sinfulness, humbly prays for mercy. Jesus concludes that the publican, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• The Pharisee's Prayer:

  The Pharisee stands and prays about how he fasts twice a week, pays tithes, and is not like other men, specifically the tax collector. 

• The Publican's Prayer:

  The publican, standing at a distance, will not even lift his eyes to heaven but beats his chest and prays, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" 

• Jesus's Judgment:

  Jesus declares that the humble publican, not the self-righteous Pharisee, was justified before God. This is because God looks at the heart, not outward appearances or self-proclaimed righteousness. 

• Significance:

  The parable highlights the importance of humility in prayer and the accessibility of God's mercy to those who acknowledge their need for it. It also critiques the self-righteousness that was common among some religious leaders of the time. 

You know, we go about our daily life making judgements about others, when we are all flawed, all struggling, we all have a story. The rich man may have riches, but is he truly happy, has he got true peace? The beautiful woman has her beauty, but is she really happy, is she beautiful on the inside. Then those who are poorer, addicted, homeless, mentally ill, covered with tattoos, piercings etc.... how do we view those? We can all bring to mind 'successful' people who looked like they had it all, but were crippled on the inside. We are all people, all have lives, stories; books, some open others kept hidden for fear of what others might think or say. My book is different to your book; my book has trials, struggles, happiness, good and bad memories. Times when other have hurt me, and, I have hurt them; fun times, sad times, trauma, laughs, they are all in there, just like yours. Yet, what do people see when they see me? As I get older, I am coming to terms with who and what I am; I used to keep my faith private just in case I was judged wrongly, laughed at, rejected, but this is my faith, I am not ashamed and am entitled to share who I am and what I believe. If others don't accept me because of it, I'm fine with it, I'm a big girl now. I wouldn't want my life to be any different other than to love, be kind, helpful more. You are unique, there is no-one else like you, you matter. Your life has meaning, You have life and breath and a life worth living. Don't be afraid or surprise people judge you, but, you have a choice not to be like them....'don't judge a book by it's cover' remember, they have a life too.

Thought for Today