Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Appearances can be very deceiving. Have you ever seen a shiny coffee tumbler that looked clean and assumed it was filled with wonderful, perfect-temperature coffee, only to take off the top and find it full of moldy grossness?

I think that is what Jesus referred to when he was talking to the Pharisees about the inside needing to be cleaned before the outside. What looks perfect and good on the outside may be rotten on the inside.

Matthew 23:25-26 NIV
²⁵ “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.²⁶ Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.”

There have been times in my life when I didn’t want others to know that I was terrified on the inside, so I did my best to appear confident on the outside. In fact, I am about to take a huge step in my life—one I take very seriously. I will soon become the spiritual leader of my family by taking the step of marriage.

Christ calls us to love our wives like he loved the church. This is the greatest responsibility a man could ever take on. I don’t want to pour out my love and service to my wife and family from a “moldy cup.” There will definitely be times when I won’t know what to do. I can try to hide from it and fake my way through, but who will that help?

I know there aren't enough tickets in the world to earn my place with God—that only comes from his grace and what Jesus did for me. Being anything but honest and true to who God says I am would make me a hypocrite, just like the Pharisees.

I think we all need to be reminded that Jesus didn’t walk alone, and neither should we. Like Jesus, we should surround ourselves with people who we can be honest with, who are willing and able to help guide us, especially those who have been in similar situations.

I don’t want to act my way through teaching my family how to navigate a God-centered life. I want my cup to be clean inside and out, and I want that for you too.

Questions:
Have you ever felt like you weren't being honest with yourself? Do you belong to a supportive group of people with whom you can be honest and ask for help? Do you know where to go for spiritual help?

Next Steps:
Keep attending weekend services at CedarCreek. Invite others as your first act of serving them, so they can get to know Jesus and have a relationship with him. If you don’t have the support you need, consider getting connected at CedarCreek through GrowthTrack and joining a Group.

Prayer:
Dear God, all good things come from you. You've shown me this time and time again, and I know that you will never fail me. Thank you for all you have already given me, and for what I am about to receive. When I put you above all else, I cannot go wrong. I know I can never earn my place with you and cherish the gift of life you have given to me. Thank you for it all. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

This post was written by Casey Stengel, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.