Five Factors That Distinguish Us from One Another

We regard no one according to the flesh.

2 Corinthians 5:16

What does it mean to regard someone “according to the flesh”? It is to form an impression about people from the most obvious things about them. Here are five things that can easily shape our first impression of others:

1. Appearance: You might say, “Mrs. Jones is the tall lady with the dark curly hair and the green coat!” That’s a description of her appearance. You are a certain height and weight. All of us have thoughts about our own appearance and how it compares with others.

2. Ability: We are gifted in different ways and to different degrees—in sports, the arts, music, etc. You may remember two captains picking teams—the ones who get picked first walk with a swagger, while the last kids picked shuffle over to their team.

3. Age: Paul said to Timothy, “Let no one despise... your youth” (1 Tim. 4:12). Some people, seeing that Timothy was young, would not take him seriously. They would need to be won over by his godly example. Similarly, many older people feel pushed to the margins in a culture that chases after the young. Age is something that can distinguish us from others.

4. Friends: At school this can be a big factor in your life. Who are your friends? Which group are you in? It remains true throughout life. As adults, we talk about our “social circles.”

5. Race: The Bible has many references to Jews and Gentiles, the distinctions between them, and how these divisions might be overcome. You cannot understand the tensions in our country today apart from this issue, and the many injustices that have led to it.

Which of these are most sensitive for you?