Have you ever met someone whom you just didn't like, maybe a first impression, or perhaps for good reason?

Sure you have. Well, at least I have. And when you've got a good bias against a person, everything that such a person does just has to be wrong. Course it does.

Or, if you really cotton on to somebody, and you like him or her, then that person has just gotta be right!

Sort of silly, isn't it? But, to some degree we all have such feelings.

A person can impress you as being a real heel, and still be a fine citizen. So how can we know just how to know? The Bible tells us, "By their fruits you shall know them". (Matt. 7-20)

Now, consider that self-centered, opinionated so-and-so that protested the fine measure that you supported. Take a close look; you may discover that he has done much more for humanity over the years than you have.

Consider the olive tree. It's not a pretty tree. It's leaves are dull. It attracts bugs, drops it's fruit and leaves all over the place. But... it has fed mankind long before man could record what he was eating. How wonderful is that unattractive tree!

- - - - Tom Nance