THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 11:37-44
“Inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” (Luke 11:39)
Religious washing, like wearing a suit to church, doesn’t change the inside.
God knows what is inside of me, and wants to work on my here.
My outward appearance and my public role or persona are not the real ME.
God sees my character, my inner self, and what that is like.
Am I greedy or generous, forgiving or resentful, mean or kind?
The Spirit is working on my inner self, developing the character of Jesus.
This is not easy work, because there is a dark side within me.
It is not pleasant to face the thoughts and feelings that live in me.
Jesus is challenging the most religious people of His day.
How might He challenge us as christians today?
Notice how Jesus makes generosity the character test.
“Be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.” (Luke 11:41)
Our generosity – or lack of it – reveals the true nature of our heart.
What does my generosity say about my heart, my life, my religion?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are not intending to go easy here. You are exposing the true extent of our selfishness. Help me to admit this, and help me to want to change!