Life on the Inside

SCRIPTURE
Luke 11:39-41

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. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you."

OBSERVATION
The Pharisees went to great lengths to externally demonstrate that they were spiritual. They were concerned about what was seen by others on the outside. However, Jesus could see through their masks and knew that they were full of greed and wickedness. Jesus called them foolish for their unconcern over the spiritual nature of their inner heart.

APPLICATION
How often do I focus on what others see? How often do I judge my spirituality by what I do externally? If I listen to the words of Jesus, I need to focus on the inner life of my soul. My thoughts, inner attitudes and emotions can serve as a barometer to my true spiritual maturity.

PRAYER
Father, cleanse me from the inside. Renew my mind, my heart, my soul. Help me to not try to impress others, but to live my life in dedication and devotion to you.