The secrets within

"People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16.7

News that British tennis sensation, Emma Raducanu, has a marketing value running into the hundred of millions of dollars following her triumph at the American Open sends a shiver down the spine. Another human sacrifice on the altar of commercial opportunism.

Sometimes a person's achievement in one sphere obscures other less obvious qualities or accomplishments. Another British "sensation" illustrates the point: John Buchan. Best known for his "shockers" such as 'The Thirty Nine Steps', Buchan was a prodigious author of serious historical works as well. In addition he was a journalist. During the First World War he served in the Intelligence Corps and he was later a politician, completing his career as Governor General of Canada. Less well-known was his Christian faith. Son of the manse, he served the church as an elder and had strong views on church government and was convinced of the civilising and emancipating influence of the Gospel.

Getting behind first impressions and outward appearance takes time. It also challenges us to overcome prejudice. O, to see how God sees! But knowing the darkness within our own hearts, makes the prospect daunting too. If we all could see as God sees what would we really look like?