Friday, March 20, 2009

BE CLEAN INSIDE

Luke 11:39 ¶ Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. ~NIV
 
Clean on the outside but dirty on the inside. The saying goes that beauty is skin deep but ugly is to the bone. Society pushes image and how you dress because to show your social status and the appearance of being well in life. You can wash up real good and put on expensive clothes but this only covers up what is truly inside. That is why Jesus teaches, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (see Luke 12:34)."  Do you treasure you money, status and appearance more than integrity, the love of God and his commandments? Have you allowed material wealth drowned you in debt looking for God to redeem you? Living in this bondage of this material world is a life of hardship. Jesus has come to set you free of the chains of this world in living for him. Who the Son sets free is free indeed (see John 8:36). Be free of trying to impress others and just serve God and see how peace will fill you up and want will not be an issue but you learn how to be content with God.
 
Open up your heart to God and allow him to deal with the issues inside. Do not try to cover them up or even drown them out with drug and alcohol abuse. Do not attempt to mask the problem but do unmask and expose yourself to be changed. Jesus wants your full devotion and life. Give it all to him by releasing your pride and embracing humility. Be willing to confess where you fall short and stop trying to cover this all up. God knows all and sees all. Come to Jesus and let him clean you from the inside out.  

No comments: