Make Sure You Look Good

Scripture

Luke 16:15 So he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.

Observation

The Pharisees were overly concerned with what people around them thought about them. It’s why they were hung up on all the rules and trying to look just right. They were also hung up on the fact that they loved their money. All of this resulted in them working hard for just the “right look” so that people would think of them as being spiritual. The problem was that this had nothing to do with what was going on in their hearts.

Application

It may seem easy to condemn the Pharisees but the reality is that throughout Christianity there have been Christians who have also fallen into this trap. Whenever people come to a place of prosperity there is the temptation to follow the ways of the world or money to look good for others and to have a decreased sensitivity to the voice of God.

What might we do these days to look spiritual?

*We go to church at least 2-3 times a month!

*We put something in the offering plate when it is passed!

*We choose particular political battles that seem to “fit” the right image.

*We give to the right causes.

*We use the right language when we are with particular people.

*We wear religious jewelry.

*We put religious sayings up on our walls (both real and virtual).

And the list could go on and on…but the real question is “what’s going on in your heart?” When Jesus asks us to do things, they may not fit the image of the crowd, including the “Christian” crowd.  We must be obedient to the still small voice which may result in us not always “looking good.” This is what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ!

Prayer

Lord, may I listen to and obey your voice today.  Amen.