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Our Content — Of Far Greater Importance Than Our Cover

It’s been reported that interior designers are now purchasing numbers of antique leather-bound books, putting them in their homes solely for their covers — not for any content they possess. Affluent clients are placing them in rooms that match a specific decor, and create a warm, old-world atmosphere. One wealthy individual is known to have purchased thousands of antique books he will never read just to create an old library look in his renovated home — his books are strictly for show.

While focusing on outward appearances can be a pleasing way to decorate a house — it’s a dangerous way to live spiritually speaking. In fact, Jesus reprimanded the religious leaders of His day because they did not practice what they preached (Matthew 23:1-4). They were addicted to receiving praise from men, thus gaining a feeling of self-importance — a feeling condemned in Scripture (Proverbs 25:27; Romans 12:3). Jesus said of them, “All their works they do to be seen by men”? (Matthew 23:5; cf. Matthew 23:25-28).

The Lord calls us to be people of inner substance — not mere outward appearance (Romans 2:28-29; cf. 1 Peter 3:1-4). We are to demonstrate His example in us by an attitude of humility. Our Lord said:

“Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4) and “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).

In our daily Christian walk, let us remember that our content is of far greater importance than our cover — we’re not strictly for show (Ecclesiastes 12:13; cf. Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Peter 4:11).