We are attracted to things that look nice: Nice cars, nice homes, nice churches, nice schools, nice stores, nice people. There is nothing wrong with this. However, we must be cautious about accepting something just because it appears to be "nice."

During the days of the gold rush in the mid-1800's, many prospectors were deceived by what was called "fool's gold." It glittered like gold on the outside, but was nothing but a worthless rock on the inside. The axiom, "all that glitters is not gold" came out of that era of our nation's history. That axiom is still true today in many life applications.

For example, the Mormons have built a beautiful church building in our area. Mormons are some of the "nicest" people I know (even nicer than some Baptists). But be careful that you do not swallow their teachings just because they appear "nice." Their doctrine will send you right to hell if you believe it. That is NOT nice!

The same thing can be seen in the Bible. The Pharisees appeared very "godly" and righteous outwardly (Matt. 23:28). But Jesus warned, "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." (Matt. 16:6) Jesus described the Pharisees as "whited sepulchres, which indeed APPEAR beautiful outward, but are within full of dead man's bones."

Be careful about swallowing something just because it comes packaged in a nice looking container, The NIV or NKJV may have a nice cover, but corruption is on the inside. "Christian" publishers know how to package it's product.

"Christian" television stations, like TBN, appear very zealous for God. Those who appear on these programs have "nice" radiant smiles and are very slick in their speech. But beware of appearances. You don't know what goes on "behind the scenes." (Remember Jim Baker and Jimmy Swaggart?)

On the other hand, we sometimes make the mistake of rejecting something because it doesn't look so nice on the outside. Most Christians today would "stay clear" of John the Baptist. He came dressed in camel's skins, eating locust and wild honey. His preaching was anything but "nice" by most ecclesiastical standards today (cf. Matt. 3:7-12; Mark 6:18-19).

The Apostle Paul would not be invited to many churches if he lived today. The Bible says, "his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible" ( 2 Cor. 10:10). He even admitted he was "rude in speech" (2 Cor. 11:6). He was not a "nice" Christian by today's standards.

I try not to allow myself to become enamored by anyone's outward piety. I'm learning to look beyond the veneer of facial countenances and religious activity. I'm sure Ananias and Sapphira appeared very devout when they gave their offering from the sale of their property. But God knew their heart. They did not fool Peter, either (Acts 5:1-10).

Beware of "fool's gold." Do not be fooled by pretty smiles, smooth talk, gifts of money, or beautiful book covers. The old saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Check it out completely before swallowing it. Jesus said, "JUDGE NOT ACCORDING TO THE APPEARANCE, but judge righteous judgment." (John 7:24)

All that glitters is not gold.