Prophet Samuel got deceived by first impression. He had a mandate from God to go to Bethlehem to anoint a king to succeed Saul. When he saw Eliab, Jesse’s first son, he concluded that must be the Lord’s choice. God had to put the prophet straight. “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7 NKJV. Many things can colour our first impression. Body language, eye contact, pitch or tone of speaking can all sway us one way or the other. 

A first impression hardly gives the true picture of people, especially in this age of packaging…When next you are trying to assess people, do it by the Spirit.

A first impression hardly gives the true picture of people, especially in this age of packaging. I have often heard that we should not judge a book by its cover. This is more like saying don’t rely on the first impression. I learned this practically at the Indian Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria some years ago. As we walked into the visa section, I saw a clearing officer talking with a woman clutching her toddler by her side. He was tall and spoke so loud. Immediately, I concluded in my heart that he was hostile. I complained to my sons of what I saw as the man’s belligerence. As it turned out, however, I was wrong! When we entered his cubicle, he was the kindest person you can imagine. He helped us put our papers in order, pointing out what was missing without which our application would be denied and the money paid lost. I was deceived by the man’s voice and his heavy Indian accent to think he was unfriendly. When next you are trying to assess people, do it by the Spirit.