Trying to Impress
When
a college class went on a cultural field trip, the instructor almost
didn’t recognize one of his star pupils. In the classroom she had
concealed six-inch heels beneath her pant legs. But in her walking boots
she was less than five feet tall. “My heels are how I want to be,” she
laughed. “But my boots are how I really am.”
Our physical appearance doesn’t define who we are; it’s our heart that matters. Jesus had strong words for those masters of appearances—the super-religious “Pharisees and teachers of the law.” They asked Jesus why His disciples didn’t wash their hands before eating, as their religious traditions dictated (Matthew 15:1–2). Jesus asked, “Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” (v. 3). Then He pointed out how they had invented a legal loophole to keep their wealth instead of caring for their parents (vv. 4–6), thus dishonoring them and violating the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12).
If we obsess over appearances while looking for loopholes in God’s clear commands, we’re violating the spirit of His law. Jesus said that “out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality,” and the like (Matthew 15:19). Only God, through the righteousness of His Son Jesus, can give us a clean heart.
Our physical appearance doesn’t define who we are; it’s our heart that matters. Jesus had strong words for those masters of appearances—the super-religious “Pharisees and teachers of the law.” They asked Jesus why His disciples didn’t wash their hands before eating, as their religious traditions dictated (Matthew 15:1–2). Jesus asked, “Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” (v. 3). Then He pointed out how they had invented a legal loophole to keep their wealth instead of caring for their parents (vv. 4–6), thus dishonoring them and violating the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12).
If we obsess over appearances while looking for loopholes in God’s clear commands, we’re violating the spirit of His law. Jesus said that “out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality,” and the like (Matthew 15:19). Only God, through the righteousness of His Son Jesus, can give us a clean heart.
Today's Reflection
Lord,
we are so prone to rely on our own efforts to impress You and others.
Help us to be authentic in all our relationships, and to enjoy the
restored heart we can have through Your forgiveness.
It's such a good reminder to remember that what we look like doesn't define our heart. It's so hard when we live in a world that promotes "the look" how nice your clothes are, how nice your hair is (ect) That's not how we should be living. It's important that in todays world we empower our young students to not put physical appearance above anything. (Matthew 15:19). Only God, through the righteousness of His Son Jesus, can give us a clean heart.
ReplyDeleteThis verse is so sound and true-- the Lord looks at the heart, a heart that's pure.
"Super-religious"... not a term I would use. Don't judge a book by its cover.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful reminder of what is important and what is not, that God sees the heart, and that outward appearances can be deceiving. So funny how the student pulled off being that much taller! Not worth the pain of walking in those heels. Nice analogy for me that it is not worth trying to fake appearances, too difficult, but be true to what God wants for me.
ReplyDeleteWe are so insecure. We feel we need to impress those around us for our own sense of self worth. It's like we are always looking in a mirror that others are holding up to us.
ReplyDelete