Inside Out

Matthew 23:23-39. Holiness must be both inside and out. Holiness inside (faith, love) must not be without holiness outside (works, standards). Holiness outside must not be without holiness inside. Faithfulness must be in both big and small things. Faithfulness in small things (diet, offerings) must not be without faithfulness in big things (witnessing, charity) and vice versa. There are two types of sinners: those who want to be considered sinful, and those who want to be considered spiritual. Both are equally sinners: the first sin inside and out, the latter sin inside but not out. When Jesus becomes Lord of our lives He changes the inside and the outside begins to change too. People begin to notice changes in our lives. These changes may be perceived as either good or bad by our friends. The drunkard becomes boring to his drinking buddies when Jesus comes into his life. The religious fanatic becomes apostate to his brethren when Jesus comes into his life. The religious “moderate” becomes fanatical to fellow churchgoers when Jesus comes into his life. The harsh man becomes sensitive to those who love him and weak to those who do not care about him when Jesus comes into his life. The weak woman becomes courageous to those who love her and strict to those who do not care about her when Jesus comes into her life.

Following Jesus will not make us popular with everyone. It will bless our relationships with those that love us, and wear away our relationships with those who do not. This is a great blessing. I want Jesus in my life.