The Inside Person, Part 1

Read: Matthew 23:23-28 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24) You blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26) You blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter that the outside of them may be clean also. 27) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. 28) Even so you also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

     If you scanned the shelves of major bookstore chains in the self-help and pop psychology sections, you’d find many books with superficial solutions. How to look successful, how to influence others, how to feel good about yourself – most topics are geared toward appearance and quick results.

     Not many address the deeper issues of morality and the enrichment of the inner person. Jesus, however, was very concerned about what goes on in the heart. He was angry at the self-righteous Pharisees, who prided themselves on their strict observance of every detail or religious law.

     Comparing them to whitewashed tombs was a graphic way of saying they looked good on the outside but inside they were morally corrupt. The attractive human walls didn’t count for much when the contents were ugly. Let me ask you a question here! How do you see yourself inside?

     Developing your character is Jesus’ top priority. Step by step, as you trust Him to shape your thinking, your behavior is turned around. You’re on the track to genuine success when you allow Him to instill godly qualities. Remember, His plant isn’t a “look good, quick” scheme of temporary changes. His process takes time, but the good results are real and lasting.

     There is an old song I used to sing with some of the lyrics stating: “Take Time Out For Jesus – He Took Time For You” – Give it some thought.