What the bible shows us about the halo effect

In psychology one of the most interesting studies is the perceptions people have about others. Several studies have been done about what is called the “halo effect” Where a person’s outward appearance and characteristics are attributed to them being considered a better person on the inside. Often this is supported by advertising and selling of products using attractive well-groomed people to get people to notice and to buy things. In the bible however we see that this is not what God sees in a person.

One area that can be very uncomfortable for some in the service of the Church is a passage that is found in 1 Corinthians 1:

1 Corinthians 1:26 26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

The idea that people were called to the faith were not the best of society, but often the worst and most despised. Leaders like King David were often lowly. He was even overlooked by his own father when Samuel came to him looking for a future king. In contrast Saul, who was going to be replaced by David, was attractive and powerful. In the end he succumbed to his own corruption. Warranting the search for his replacement. Despite David’s shortcomings he was always considered “a man after God’s own heart.” From him came a lineage that eventually brought about the right combinations to bring the savior Jesus Christ to physical life. Even the description of Jesus found in Isaiah shows that there was nothing about His appearance that would make Him attractive to people.

The first Corinthians description of one of several scriptures that shows us what God sees and who he calls. This passage has been an issue that most people in the faith do not want to confront in themselves.

When we think of those who are influential today with God’s word we often look at those who are well groomed, well-spoken and have lots of money or some kind of wealth comparable to society norms or above. There are many faces of the Christian religion that are up to society standards and are acceptable to people around them. Often people are lured to the faith for the wrong reasons because of what they see, not what God is doing.

1 Corinthians shows a different look for those truly called to his service.

In one single passage the apostle Paul basically demolishes that worldly view with one that shows what God does when he calls people to the faith. They will be the weak and foolish, those at the bottom of society and those the world has despised. I don’t think many Christians like to be considered in those states of being, but the truth is those are the ones God will work through to accomplish his work. Why is this?

In the same passage in Verse 29 we see that he uses the weak and despised because they will not boast because of their natural appearance or talents. All their strength and ability are supplied by the Lord to accomplish when work is at hand. In many if not all cases this has played out through all those called according to his purpose. Often behind the poverty, lowliness, and even the physical ailments; in such people is a heart that is totally submissive to the service of God and totally committed to him. It is the one true powerful motivator in their lives to serve him in full capacity.

So when we look at those who are His we may not always see what God sees. The ones we may overlook may be the very ones he chose for a task and a purpose above others. Remember God sees the heart of a person above all else.

Your Brother in Christ,

Steve Koenig

Lakeshore Fellowship