Image vs God

"A man was flying from Seattle to San Francisco . Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front0f her throughout the entire flight.He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached her, and calling her by name, said, "Kathy, we are in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?" The blind lady replied, "No thanks, but maybe my dog would like to stretch his legs."

Picture this: All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog!The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!

True story..... Have a great day and remember...THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR." (This was given to me by Heather Volland a member of my congregation).


What a great story! It is one of those that makes you laugh, but at the same time makes you pause for a second. What would you have done if you were in that airport? Would you have taken things at face value and ran? Would you have cocked your head to the side and walked up to the pilot to see whether or not he was really blind? Would you have just shrugged your shoulders with indifference and boarded the plane anyway? What is your reaction to the world when the abnormal becomes the mainstream?

How many times have you heard the saying "Image is everything"? It is a statement that has transcended time and continues to be a powerful teaching tool in any type of retail or corporate setting. The belief is that if you look the part than you may just get chosen for the best jobs, the most money, the right family. The sad part is that in our society that tends to be true. I get up each morning and make sure that the pants are creased, the shirt ironed, the hair brushed, and the proper amount of cologne applied. I have a young man who is working with me here at the church and when he started the very first thing I told him was what I expected him to look like when he came to work. I didn't mention to bring his Bible, to say a prayer before he left home....nope....I was more worried about whether or not his shirt was going to be tucked in. I wanted him to be respected and that was the first lesson that I thought he should learn.

Image vs God. It should be a simple battle that is solved in a matter of minutes. Instead we are thrust each day into a furious war that pits societies desires against the teachings of God. The problem is that there are times when I am confused as to which side I am on.

Can you imagine if God imposed such shallow requirements on all of us? What if God stated that only those with the current trends would be allowed to worship and receive His gifts? What if God stated that the leaders of the church must drive the best vehicles, enjoy the finest foods, and dress in the most expensive threads? Can you imagine what the world would look like.........imagine.........

Please listen to me when I say this. This gift given to us from God is not something that is reserved for the affluent...it is for everyone. The homeless man that greets you when you pull off the exit ramp, the woman who pays with food stamps at the grocery store, the child who wears the same clothes each day.....they all "qualify" as children of God and therefore receive the same gifts that we get. It doesn't matter what is on their backs or in their stomachs....what God wants is in their hearts.

Maybe we should try opening ours.

We all come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. We all have different talents, convictions, and moral visions. We all live in different counties, states, and countries. When I look at you I can't tell what pain you hide inside. When I laugh at your jokes, when I shake your hands, when I pat your shoulder I am not privy to the secrets lying within. All I can do is smile and say "May the Peace of the Lord be with you" and pray that God is active within your soul.

Things aren't always as they appear....

Where is God? Can you feel Him?

He's there with you.

Hi.