Too many people portray themselves to be men and women of God, but inwardly they are just like people of this world. During the week, they are not any different than an unbeliever. They waste their time watching TV and playing on their smartphone, where the Bible and prayer are neglected. Even how they live their life is very sinful. This because they have not allowed Jesus to cleanse them from within. So they only appear righteous on the outside. If they had, then they would have repented of their sins, instead of continuing to live unworthy of the presence of the Holy Spirit. My friends, you may be able to trick people that you are a Christian, but God can see through to your heart. He knows who is for Him and who is against Him, based on their works. Either His works are in them or they are not. People that only look the part for God, but are not, are no different than the scribes and Pharisees of old. To these people, Jesus said, 1“woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” (Matthew 23:25-28) This is so true with people in our day. It is so easy to spot them as well when you start conversing with one of them. For either, they are living for God or they are not.
Have you ever seen people say such long prayers as if it is scripted? Unless it is heartfelt and Holy Spirit led, then it is not of God. Some people also like to sit on the front bench of the church in order for people to see them lifting their hands up to God, while in worship. Jesus spoke about this as well, when he said, 1“but all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues” (Matthew 23:5,6) 1“and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” (Matthew 23:14) Even some people give a bigger tithe than others in order to show off their wealth, but inwardly they are not walking for God. Jesus spoke on this as well. He said, 1“woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” (Matthew 23:23) Therefore, their money without doing God’s will was for naught. So what does Jesus expect of us that call themselves Christians? He said, 1“whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12) We are not to lift up our own selves, but the Lord God instead. Doing this, we humble ourselves to God, that He may do a work in our lives, that we are incapable of doing on our own. Therefore, we don’t only look like Christians, but we walk in the light of Jesus also. His blood has cleansed us and we are now capable of doing greater things for Him in His kingdom.
Let us pray:
Lord, I am sorry if I have portrayed myself to be something for You, but have not lived up to it in the inside. I know that many times I have said things are wrong, according to Your Word, when I myself have had that same issue. And it breaks my heart when I go against Your will. So cleanse me this day of all my sins. Fill my life with Your love. Help me walk in Your light. I do not wish to only appear righteous but to be made this way through Your presence that is within me. I know that I cannot do anything good, if You are not the one leading me. So please lead me in Your light. Help me to not fall into temptation, but build me up in Your armor. My flesh is weak, but I am strong with You in my life. I can do all things when You have a hold of my hand. It is my desire to not only appear like I am Christian but really live this way from the inside out. This is my life long desire. I am sorry if I have not met the expectations You have had for me, up until now. Please forgive me, Lord. I no longer wish to make a scene, but humbly do as You have called me. It is better for people to see You in me than to want to follow what I do. What is there about me that can save them? Nothing. Only You can save us, dear Lord. Therefore, may the Holy Spirit be with me always. Help me understand the Bible better, that more people will be drawn to You. I wish to see more souls be saved and go to heaven one day. So convict people of their sins, as You have convicted me of my own. May they also desire to be washed in Your blood. Cleanse them, oh Lord. Bring them into Your presence and lead them on the path of righteousness. This is the path that You have placed me on and I am so grateful. I love You, Lord. Thank You for forgiving a wretch like me. I praise You for Your love and mercy. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
