The recommendation to not judge the value of something by its outward appearance is not a new or novel notion. Though this idea has earlier origins, the phrase was brought to popularity when it appeared in the 1946 murder mystery, “Murder in the Glass Room,” by Lester Fuller and Edwin Rolfe, when one of the characters remarks, “You can never tell a book by its cover.” This reminder to withhold judgment of someone or something is sound advice. A piece of fruit may look delicious, but really, it happens to be rotten. A person may be outfitted to give a certain look or vibe, but in fact it is just a façade.
In our Scripture passage for this coming Sunday, from Mark 7, Jesus criticizes some of the religious leaders for focusing on human tradition at the expense of God’s commands. What’s on the outside is not nearly as important as what’s on the inside. Continuing, Jesus said, “there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” Our outward acts give a glimpse of our inward character, but they don’t define us.
So many times, as Christians, we are encouraged/exhorted/urged to do something. Living out our faith or “putting our faith into action” is important. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:36). But this love is not merely an outward activity, but an inward reality. What is your inward reality? What is happening between you and God in your heart?
I love the fact that Scripture gives us some clear clues about whether it’s going well. God is living and active inside of us when the fruit of the Spirit is present. Do you have love? Joy? Peace and patience? (Those are difficult for me.) Kindness? Goodness? Faithfulness? Gentleness? Self-control? When these are present, when these come naturally, we know that God is at work. We know that the inside is on the right track.
How do you know when you’re in a good place with God? Or, which of these inward realities are the most challenging in your life? Let’s grow inside and live faith outside. Let’s encourage each other.
Very truly,
Pastor Adam
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