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Matthew 23:27 “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 the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”
Our society often loves what is new and what looks good. We landscape our houses to be sure the outside looks pleasing to those passing by. We wash and wax our cars. Maybe it’s just to keep them clean, but maybe it’s to ensure we present ourselves to others as well as possible. We may even dress with a desire to impress others, not simply to stay warm.
But when we live our lives with the motive of impressing others and getting others to like us, we’re much more likely to experience pain, hurt, and frustration. Somebody else will always have a nicer house with better landscaping. Somebody else will always have a nicer, cleaner looking car. Somebody else will always have nicer clothing. If we live in this way, we ultimately begin to feel like we’re always falling short.
To live in the new family of Jesus is to to focus on what’s inside of our heart and soul first. In time, what’s on the inside will be visible to everybody on the outside as well.
READING & PRAYERS:
JAMES 2:1-13 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What verses in James 2:1-13 speak most to you today? How may God be inviting you to live out these verses today?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Are you doing too much?Practice slowing down and living life at the pace of your soul by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when I have lost sight of what’s most important. The times when I’ve lost sight of who I am. The times when I have lost sight of who You are. The times when I have lost sight of where you are in my life right now. And even the times when I lose sight of where You may be leading me and try to forge my own path. Today, may I reset my sights and follow Your lead for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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