Don't Rush To Judge

 

How often have you heard the saying, “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”? 

When I’m looking for my next book to read, I do look at the cover and see if in some way it appeals to me.  I flip over to the back to glean a bit more information about the story.  If that strikes me, I might flip open somewhere inside and skim a paragraph or two before deciding to read it or not.  

 

When it comes to judging people by their covers, we all do it.  We size up someone quickly based on outward appearance.  We can’t help it, we’re wired that way.  It can serve a purpose for safety, when someone is acting crazy, wielding a gun, and acting like they’re about to go off the deep end.  

Sizing up someone can help us determine if that person is someone to ask for directions, help or guidance.  We do a quick scan at a party to see who we might want to talk with.  In a flash, thousands of messages have come into our brains about that person.  Based on looks, what they’re wearing, their hair style, their eye contact, the way they carry themselves, the list goes on.  

Outward observation before we have ever spoken a word.  And we have formed an opinion of that person already.  

But we have to get past that in order to reveal more meaningful information and gather a better perspective on that person, yes?  How sad that sometimes that next step never happens.  And the saying above means that if you only look at the cover, you may be missing a whole lot of what’s inside.  

I found this video that after it astounded me, I realized it demonstrated this concept perfectly. 

Watch Simon’s and the audience’s reaction to this singing duo as they first step out onto the stage.  They’re all guilty of judging based on appearance alone.  

Next time you see someone who you make a snap judgement about, you might wonder what’s on the inside that the world is missing.  Make an effort to suspend forming any sort of opinion about someone until you make an effort to get to know them.  

Oh, and I think Jonathon's got a solid career ahead of him.  God Bless!

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