"The Heart of the Matter" pt.2

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Matthew 23: 27&28

"appearance isn't everything"

If we look around in the world today, everything around us is geared toward appearance. Styles dictate appearance, for people to "look the part", of how they want to be perceived. Hairstyles, clothing styles, makeup, medical treatments, fitness programs, having the "right" job, car, house, town, neighborhood, and the list goes on. All for the sake of appearance, not only for others and the world around us, but also for our own self esteem. All of these things in and of themselves are not bad, in modesty and moderation. We should be aware of appearances, not for the admiration of others and not to the point where we draw our identity from it.

In today's scriptures, Jesus addresses the issue of appearance. In the first 12 verses of Matthew 23, He points out the sins of the "religious" leaders , and encourages the multitude, to observe what they said concerning the correct interpretation of the Scriptures, and not their works. He was bringing to light, their motivation, their intent, their heart. Their works they did was motivated by pride, and self-righteousness, to be seen by men. Appearances. He pointed out that they loved the recognition, that their position, and outward righteous appearance, brought. Religion has it's motivation rooted in pride and self.

Jesus, in verse 8, contrasts greedy ambition and empty titles of positions, by encouraging the people , to walk in humility, and understanding,that we are all brethren, equal in Christ. All this after, chapter 22, in which He gives us the greatest commandment, Love the Lord with all our heart, soul,and mind. Secondly, He says to love our neighbor as ourselves, and on these two commandments, hang all the Law and the Prophets. He addresses the very heart of the matter, motivation. As religion has it's motivation in pride,and self, relationship with the Lord, has it's motivation in Love, and humility. The outward appearance of this relationship, shows up in how we treat others, with humility, and love. The greatest example of this is exemplified, by Jesus, on the Cross, when He prayed to the Father to forgive His tormentors, "for they know not what they do." May we remember His Words, when facing adverse situations, challenging people, and difficult world views.

Let our appearances, be grounded in His Word, directed by His Spirit, motivated by our Love for Him. Any other motivation, no matter how "good it looks" would be hypocritical, like the religious leaders in today's scripture. Jesus, denounced them by saying "woe to you... hypocrites!", recognizing their selfish pride. In verse 33, He likens them to Satan, by calling them a "generation of vipers", and asking them the question,"how can you escape the damnation of Hell?" What an indictment to them, and to those who are unrepentant. The Lord looks at the heart of man, and he alone can judge it, but He also can change it. Let us always examine ourselves, making sure we have proper Faith, in His finished Work on the Cross, and His Shed Blood that cleanses us from our sins. Relationship with God, a renewed Spirit, creating in us a new Heart of Love, His Love, understanding that our motivation is what's important to Him, and realizing, "appearance isn't everything."