The Racist Mentality We’re all Guilty of

The problem that lies at the heart of racism is that people look at the superficial rather than considering the heart.

"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)

Even though I'm not racist, I constantly find myself operating in the same kind of “judging by appearances” mentality that racism is founded on. For example:

• I find myself giving more attention to the most attractive people in the room while ignoring those who are least attractive.

• I find myself engaging with the more intelligent people in the room while ignoring the less intelligent.

• I find myself prioritizing people who have homes while ignoring the homeless people on the street.

This is the exact same kind of mentality that racism is founded on, and it’s the kind of mentality that Jesus spent so much time speaking out against.

For example, here’s what Jesus has to say about this mentality of judging people by appearances:

• Jesus strongly opposed the Pharisees who prioritized their own outward appearances rather than their inward relationships with God.

• In John 7:24 (ESV) Jesus says “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

• In Matthew 7:1–2 (ESV) Jesus says “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

• Over and over again in scripture, God prioritizes the poor, oppressed, and lowly, promising them justice, deliverance, and comfort.

While judging by outward appearances leads to inaccurate conclusions and creates ginormous problems like racism, it’s something that we’re all guilty of and need God’s help to overcome.