Outside vs. Inside
I heard a statement a week or so ago that made me think. The man said, “People are too focused on the outside and not enough on the inside.” I pondered that thought and concluded that he was absolutely right. Satan has done a major number on us all with regards to what we find important and what preoccupies our minds.
The Apostle Paul tells the Roman believers in his letter to them, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Yet isn’t that exactly what we’ve done? Too many people claim to be Christians, but don’t live like one. How do we live like Christ? It’s all in the Book ... The NT account of the life of Jesus of Nazareth tells us everything we need to know regarding how we are to live.
2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “... anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” We are supposed to be different once we accept Christ into our heart and life. We are supposed to make a 180 degree turn and walk away from our former way of living. But this isn’t happening to a large extent. Men and women have falling for the devils lies and tricks to pull us into an ungodly direction. Just look around you. This is not to judge anyone ... we’ve all been duped to a certain extent. And if you think you’ve not fallen into his trap you’re fooling yourself.
People focus on the exterior and ignore the interior, which is what God cares about. 1 Samuel 16:7 says: “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’”
As true believers in Christ we must shake loose of the chains Satan has placed upon us and go on a mission to replicate Christ’s behavior as much as possible. We will fail and fail again, but striving for perfection is our goal, understanding that we can never achieve it. This is not a reason to avoid trying. Take your eyes off yourself and the external things that are meaningless in a spiritual sense and focus inwardly. Seek to become selfless, instead of what we are. Let’s face it, we all have a thread of selfishness that exists in us. It takes a deliberate attempt to eradicate it from our life or we will not be able to achieve the selfless state the Lord desires for each one of us.
Don’t be concerned with your outward appearance. Don’t be a slob, but also don’t be fixated on your outward appearance. Become Christ-like in all you say and do so as to take on the appearance of Christ in your life. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His name & for His glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
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