ODJ: perspective
October 12, 2010
Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness (v.28).
READ: Matthew 23:5-7,13-28
Still half asleep, I gradually found my way to the bathroom to begin my morning routine. Grabbing my toothbrush, I coated it with toothpaste and sat down on the edge of the bathtub. Because I don’t normally sit and brush my teeth, my position afforded me a new perspective of the bathroom sink. Previously hidden from view by the faucet’s spout, a fine layer of unidentifiable matter coated the edge where the faucet met the white porcelain. I realized my “working mom” style of cleaning needed some modifications.
Like the unseen grime on a sink, sin thrives in places beyond the view of others. So when we wage war against spiritual enemies, we need help. For our hearts can deceive us (Jeremiah 17:9). Surrounding ourselves with godly people who can speak the wisdom of God’s Word into our lives heightens our advantage in the battle (Proverbs 24:6). When we withhold information or spin the truth to make ourselves look good, however, the good counsel we receive can become sullied. Before long, one speck of grime adds to another until our hearts become a musty grave of hidden thoughts and desires.
Sadly, in the past I’ve whitewashed the tomb of my heart by pushing undesirable responses below others’ perceptions. Then, not so strangely, I’ve wondered why I felt like I could never be good enough. I hadn’t yet learned that coating the outside doesn’t change the heart. Dressed in layers of self-righteousness, I was naked and blind (Revelation 3:17-18)—desperately needing God’s perspective.
True godliness demands the demolition of any manmade construction. Exposing our failings is never easy in the moment; but when we live from the inside out, life becomes real. And our perspective becomes a great deal more accurate.
—Regina Franklin
In what ways have you tried to control what others think of you? What excuses have you used to keep from being transparent with others? What area in your heart do you desire for God to purify?
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