Inside out

We are easily fooled by the external.

The smart sports car with its oversized rims and low-slung appearance could actually be full of fast food wrappers and the smell of old onion rings. The tidy, upscale home in the high-end neighborhood that looks so perfect just might be crumbling from within because of a termite infestation. The successful business could be running on the fumes of dwindling sales and overextended credit. Things aren’t always what they seem to be.

People fool us with their actions. I knew a man who put on the airs of confidence and self-assurance, but inside he was torn apart by thoughts of inadequacy and worthlessness. A woman who seemed to be the perfect mother and wife was planning to escape to another state, leaving it all behind.

I have engaged in this foolery myself. If I am struggling with temptation, I can easily force a convincing air. If I am hurt by the careless words of another, I often just smile and tell everyone that it is okay. When my world has turned upside overnight, I gamely press on.

But I cannot fool God.

Jesus said, “Blind Pharisee, first wash clean the inside of the cup or dish, and then the outside will be clean also.”

Those who are enaged in man-centered religion follow the model of the world and are overly concerned with outward appearances, with what seems to be. But as Red Letter Christians, we should be different. We can take to heart what Jesus’ said, and then apply it to our homes, our neighborhoods and our workplaces. And His call is for real change – from the inside out.