When I showed up for a volunteer work day at a church camp this morning, a friendly fellow came over and shook my hand. I exchanged greetings with him and quickly moved on to receive my assignment. Later, my wife gestured toward the man who had spoken to me and asked, “Isn’t that Steve?” Sure enough, it was.

We had met Steve a few weeks earlier. After that, we spent some time talking with him at a Christian convention. I was embarrassed to think that I didn’t even recognize him today.

However, I do have an excuse. Steve was wearing glasses instead of the contact lenses he usually wears. He was also wearing a baseball cap, further changing his appearance. To top it all off, he had shaved his beard and mustache.

I went over and confessed to Steve that I didn’t know him when he spoke to me earlier. He understood my confusion and was very forgiving. I hope that when I get to know Steve better, I won’t have trouble recognizing him, no matter how he changes his appearance.

I also hope that as I grow to know Jesus better, I will recognize him in any setting. “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection…” (Phil.3:10).