In a world filled with appearances, we can fall into a very dangerous trap. In the same way, people flaunt online, flashing possessions, new looks, and trying to upstage one another, it can easily be taken into the church. It’s possible to serve in church, quote Scripture, and act holy in public, yet harbor unforgiveness, jealousy, or selfish motives in private. Outward religion without inward transformation is empty.
In Matthew 23:25-27, Jesus delivers a strong warning to the religious leaders:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”
These words reveal how easy it is to focus on outward appearances. The Pharisees appeared righteous to others, but they were truly filled with pride, greed, and hypocrisy. Jesus was exposing the danger of pretending to be something we are not.
Real faith starts within. When our hearts are surrendered to Jesus, His Spirit cleanses us, reshapes our desires, and produces genuine faith. The goal isn’t to appear righteous, but to be righteous—from the inside out.
May the God of the Bible bless you!
Bishop Bira Joshua
