PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 23:25-26
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” (Matthew 23:26)
Jesus stresses that inward integrity is what matters most.
Would you want to drive on a bridge that only looked solid?
Too often churches and christians are engaged in performance management.
How we look, what others see, keeping our actions or words appropriate.
We put on a good show, and dress up in our Sunday best.
We may share Jesus’s love in words or actions without feeling it ourselves.
We may sing songs in church, without meaning (or knowing) what the words mean.
The Greek word for this is hypocrite – an actor wearing a mask.
Lipstick on a pig does not change the pig; we need to change within.
As Jesus followers our top priority needs to be on the inside.
This includes being honest about anger, greed, lust, pride, bitterness within.
Don’t try to pretend its not there; God knows, and others sense it too.
We don’t have to be perfect, but we do need to be honest.
God is gracious with those who are honest, and will help clean them up.
Lord Jesus, people may see me as ‘clean’, but you know what is inside of me. Help me to prioritize inward integrity, and not just outward appearance. Clean from from the inside out.