Table of Contents
- Why Were Magdalene Rose’s Church Tour Dates Canceled?
- What Did Magdalene Rose Say about Being Judged by Appearance?
- What Does the Bible Say about Judging by Outward Appearance?
- Why Church Hurt Can Push People Away from Faith
- How Christians Can Show Grace Instead of Judgment
- A Prayer for Unity in the Body of Christ
- Frequently Asked Questions about Magdalene Rose
- For Further Reading
Why Were Magdalene Rose’s Church Tour Dates Canceled?
Christian rock artist Magdalene Rose recently expressed her dismay at some churches that canceled her tour dates due to her appearance. Her story raises an important question for Christians: are we judging others by outward appearance, or are we looking for the fruit of God’s work in their lives?
What Did Magdalene Rose Say about Being Judged by Appearance?
In a lengthy Instagram post last month, Rose explained that the cancellation occurred after her wedding anniversary and that the church had not even asked her and her band to play. While acknowledging that not every church would accept her, Rose was discouraged by the notion that these same churches were judging by outward appearance rather than seeing her as a sister in Christ.
“They’re not asking why I dress the way I do, they’re not asking about my story and the way Jesus has changed my life. They take one look at me and assume that I don’t know God. Christians have called me a satanist, a witch, and called me names that no woman should ever be called. I’ve been told that I’m leading people to hell and that I’ll be walking in right alongside them. This isn’t anything new, though. I’ve been hearing stuff like this since I was a young teenager and had grown men asking me what message I was trying to convey with my clothing”, she wrote.
While there is no doubt that people have their preferences in music, Rose clearly notes how these churches were quick to dismiss her based on her clothing and assume that she’s not even a Christian but a satanist or witch. When we judge by appearance, it’s automatic. Meaning that I only go by how you look without further analysis, such as who you are, which God knows.
What Does the Bible Say about Judging by Outward Appearance?
When it comes to outward appearance, I think of the story of the prophet Samuel meeting Jesse, who wanted to anoint one of his sons as the next king of Israel. Although he was impressed with Jesse’s son, Eliab, thinking “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him,” then the Lord told Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. ” (1 Samuel 16:6-7)
Humans are quick to judge, and sadly, some Christians fall into this trap. We dismiss others by how they look rather than get to know them for who they are. In David’s case, he wasn’t initially there, nor was he Samuel’s primary choice until the Lord revealed it to him. David, who was just a shepherd boy at the time, would be anointed as the next king of Israel. He is considered a man after God’s heart, and through him, the foreshadowing of Jesus as the Messianic King is seen in the Davidic lineage. Therefore, we shouldn’t be quick to dismiss others by how they look because you don’t know the Lord has and will use them.
Why Church Hurt Can Push People Away from Faith
Rose also points out how these churches don’t see how she has reached others who are struggling.
“You don’t see the kids I talk to every night on tour who were planning on taking their lives, begging God to send them someone who cared. You don’t get messages from people in the middle of self-harm, asking if I can pray for them to have the strength to stop. You haven’t had to hold someone while they were sobbing because tonight was the first time they realized God could love them despite the ridicule and abuse they’ve endured.”
The singer makes a solid point about the unseen support in reaching others, which, again, stems from the fact that she was disregarded for her appearance. But the encouragement is always that “God looks on the heart”. Even when others don’t see (or want to see), God sees. He knows our hearts and our actions. He is honored when we serve Him and others, regardless of not being acknowledged or commended by others.
It’s easy to feel hurt at that rejection, especially when coming from those who profess to be Christian. After all, Rose acknowledges her past hatred of the church because she was hurt and ultimately did not go for a time because of “religious judgment”, while noting that others feel that way.
Although she has found a place to congregate, how many others have refused to set foot in a church ever again because those within hurt them? Or as Rose warned, how churches are so consumed with appearance that they forget to check in with those struggling with suicide, mental health, and their faith in God, lamenting that the churches “are not willing to give them a second of their time.”
How Christians Can Show Grace Instead of Judgment
As Christians, we must be available to those in need when possible. You never know how a word of encouragement or being present can go a long way. Ultimately, the Lord looks upon them with great love and care. He really does look upon the least of these!! Therefore, who are we to judge and do nothing? Be reminded that when we serve others, we do it for the Lord as if those whom we serve are Jesus Himself. In Jesus’ own words to the disciples.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” - Matthew 25:35-40 ESV
In conclusion, let us be quick to show grace and compassion to others, especially fellow brothers and sisters in the body of Christ who may not fit the mold in the eyes of others. Rather than dismiss others, let us encourage one another in the Lord, for we have much to offer. As the apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12–13). Friends, if we are in Christ, we have all been united to one another. Therefore, let there be no place for division, but rather, love and service to one another to the glory of God. Amen.
A Prayer for Unity in the Body of Christ
Heavenly Father,
I pray for greater unity in Your body as You have brought us together. I pray that we would not be quick to judge our brothers and sisters in Christ on outward appearance, but rather look at the fruit of their lives. Let us be encouragers, not detriments to each other, and may we recognize how each of us has a part to play as Your church.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Magdalene Rose
- Who is Magdalene Rose?
Magdalene Rose is a Christian rock artist who has spoken publicly about being judged by some churches because of her appearance. - Why did some churches cancel Magdalene Rose’s tour dates?
According to Rose, some churches canceled after judging her outward appearance rather than asking about her testimony, faith, or ministry. - What Bible verse says God looks at the heart?
1 Samuel 16:7 says that people look at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. - How should Christians respond to people who look different?
Christians should respond with humility, grace, discernment, and love rather than making quick assumptions based solely on appearance.
For Further Reading
- Why Does Man Look at the Outward Appearance When God Looks at the Heart?
- What Does the Bible Say about Judging Others?
- What Does the Bible Say about Empathy?
- What Does “Whatever You Do to the Least of These” Mean?
- 4 Ways Unity Among Believers Can Change the World for Christ
Photo Credit: ©facebook/Magdalene Rose
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