Articles
Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar
R E F L E C T I O N S
Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith
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"Do not judge by appearances, but
judge with right judgment.” - Jn. 7:24
This is a banded tussock moth caterpillar, a fairly common fellow found mainly on oak and hickory trees. He certainly looks soft and cuddly doesn't he? Do not be deceived. These tussocks, or tufts, of protruding hairs are venomous. They can inflict severe pain as well as rashes and swelling. Even allowing one of these caterpillars to walk on bare flesh can result in pain. Appearances indeed can be deceiving. Even though I know all of this, I still find myself attracted to these guys. After all, they are quite beautiful, at least to me.
Jesus taught quite a lot about the dangers of judging people simply on the basis of outward appearance. Wolves do sometimes appear in sheep's clothing. Our culture unfortunately seems obsessed by outward appearance. It influences all of us. Outward appearance can take the form of the clothes we wear, the words we speak, the manner in which we conduct ourselves, and even in the religious masks we wear.
What is hidden in our hearts, however, can be something quite different all together. It takes some time spent in honest communication and observation for us to begin to discern the condition of another's heart. And it takes even more honest reflection for us to discern the condition of our own hearts. Self-deception is an art at which we all are quite adept. This is why we need a criteria, a standard, a mirror to assess both ourselves and others. Scripture does that. If used honestly, scripture reveals to us what we all try to hide.
Reformation then begins on our knees. The indwelling Spirit of God is the power to do what we have no power to do ourselves. So, do not judge others or yourself by outward appearance. After all, we all have internal venom that needs removal first. - John
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