They say you can’t judge a book by its cover.  I wonder if one can tell a house by its exterior design and landscaping.  This beautiful house is located in my home town.  I have always admired it’s beauty and all the delicate woodworking that it displays.  It has lovely roses and lion statues; but I wonder what kind of people live inside.

     Some of the most evil people in the world live in the most expensive homes.  They have  swimming pools and tennis courts, beautiful gardens and employees to take care of them.  Many have more rooms than they need and all kinds of extra frills to impress the neighbors.

     Now this little house is one we drive past every week on the way to church.  No fancy statues or bushes and flowers.  Basically a plain looking place.  They have no swimming pool or rose gardens, but what if they have something better?

     I have seen children playing in the yard.  They seem happy and well cared for.  This house is even smaller than mine and I can’t imagine several children living in my home.  Our guest room is smaller than many  bathrooms.  Perhaps this home is based on trust and love.  Perhaps this family loves Jesus and shares His love and compassion with others.  Perhaps they know that our success is not based on our property or how many fancy things we have.

     I know not all beautiful homes have bad people in them and not all little houses have wonderful families in them.  The point is; we can’t know what is inside by looking at the outside.  We can’t really know what goes on behind closed doors.  People can act in one way when around others and be totally different with their families.  Only God knows the truth about all things and all men.   I do know that pretty flowers and ornamental statues, fountains and big yards can’t make a house  a home.  Only love can do that. 

      God does not judge us by our outward appearance and behaviour, He knows what is in our hearts.  He can see through all the frills and pretense or the pain and despair.  He knows us as we truly are.  So it is with houses, or so I believe,  so let’s not judge a house by it’s outward appearance.