Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Matthew 23:25-28
In the context of this scripture, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for appearing holy without, but harboring a corrupt heart within. While reading this I thought of how often I am guilty of doing the same. As women, we focus so much on our appearance. We spend much time fixing ourselves up and acting in a certain way to create our desired image. As Christian women, we want to be even more intentional with the way in which we present ourselves. We worry about what others think and strive for their approval. I fear that we spend so much time trying to act the part that we fail to realistically fit the part.
This week let’s each examine our hearts and our motives. Do we appear clean before the Lord or are we holding onto things that should not be there? Is our obedience out of a love for the Lord or out of a desire for the approval of others? Are we living religiously or actively growing our relationship with Him?
When discussing our appearance, this addresses our actions and physical image. It is natural for us to have a desire to find favor with those around us. Both in a physical and spiritual sense. I think we often forget the order in which Christ commands. In verse 26 he says, “...cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” When we have a surrendered heart for the Lord, modesty of action and apparel will come so much easier. He will give us the desire for those things. In addition, we will begin to attract the right friends and relationships as our spirits are able to commune without hindrance.
Throughout the next week, let us be extra intentional in cleansing the inside from which true beauty flows. Let’s ask Christ to help us in this journey and reveal the things we may have overlooked.