Our visual culture loves image and appearance. It is long since it was stated that 'One Picture is worth a Thousand Words'. For some, appearance is all that matters. For many, style is more important than substance.
Many newspapers and other media have long made it their business to feed us stories of image and appearance. While the official position with regard to the law is that people are deemed to be innocent until proved guilty, in the fast moving world of 24 hour media, evidence and proof are of less importance. Allegations and innuendo will do very well, thank you!
So it is hugely ironic that the Murdoch empire has been dealt a blow to their advances through persistent allegations and public outcry, on account of what may have happened. As we know, the police are still in the midst of their enquiries, and even the House of Commons Select Committee is only asking questions about this whole business. We do not yet know the substance of what has been happening, though we mostly don't like the style or appearance of what we think has happened
Reputations are threatened because of the appearance of evil practice.
So it not surprising that St. Paul warns his friends in Thessalonica, 'Abstain from all appearance of evil.' (1 Thessalonians 5.22)
Other translations have it as 'Stay away from every kind of evil.' This reminds us to be more careful about how we live, because other people may well make their judgements about the Jesus we follow, based on the lives we lead in full view of those watching. Of course, by keeping close to Jesus, we can live lives which allow him to shine through us all day. Wouldn't that be great!
Best wishes,
Richard
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