"The soul is known by it's acts." - St. Thomas AquinasWe all know what it means to "put on an act." In it's raw form, it describes pretending to be something other than what we are; usually to impress others.
The bottom line is that someone is trying portray his/herself as something they're not. The end result of living our lives this way is the eventual punishment we will receive. You see, by deceiving others, we are really deceiving ourselves. Whats more, our success in this deception only serves to secure our delusion.
This type of hypocrisy is presented to us in Matthew 23:25, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence."
The scribes and Pharisees were strict proponents of the law, and hardline opponents to the gospel of Christ (Matthew 15:8-9). The conversion of followers to their side drove their sects. However, this was not done purely for the glory of God, and the well-being of souls. Elevating membership and the recognition they received was their motive. It was all about their own gain rather than God's (Matthew 23:5).
How many of us, at this moment, are living deceitful, self-indulgent lives, yet call ourselves true Christians? We convey a false, conflicting message to others who may recognize us as believers in Christ, but witness the obvious pretense in our lives (Romans 2:1).
The reality of the example we set by following this woeful path is both worthless, and injurious. The indisputable evidence reveals an underlying problem. It indicates that what we may perceive to be outwardly true about a person can be miscontrued.
Fallen men possess a similar characteristic.They are disposed to purifying only the outside; even going to greater pains to appear pure; more than being pure. Absolutely, outward purity can be beneficial and praiseworthy.
However, if this is result of an impure heart, it is both deceptive and empty. Fortunately for us, God sees the inner reality. Only a heart that is absolved of sin is a sure producer of genuine and permanent purity of life (Romans 12:9).
God evaluates one's character by the state, or attributes of his/her heart. It is no secret that our hearts are naturally corrupt, therefore unworthy in his sight. Therefore, in order to obtain, or receive His favor (make ourselves acceptable to God) it is necessary to undergo an effectual cleansing. This purging must begin in one's heart.
Why is this cleansing necessary? Without it our external appearance remains impure. Besides, it may result in some undesirable affects, such as: hindrance of prayer, being offensive to God, and cause self-destructiveness.
How do we go about depurating our sin-tainted hearts? This cannot be done merely by desiring to do so. Neither following strict, religious laws and rules or repentance (Isaiah 29:13). Nor can it be accomplished through external reformations.
The deep cleansing that is required can only be procured through one source, and one source only; the precious blood of Jesus. True righteousness comes from the inner transformation of the Holy Spirit, not an external conformity (1 Peter 1:16).
Thus, my beloved, I implore you not to put of the removal of sin a minute longer. Delay only increases the difficulty; and the commands of God tolerate no delay!
Scripture: Romans 3:23; Matthew 7:5-6; Revelation 2:2; Amos 5:21-27; Hosea 8:13
Prayer: Holy Father, I want to honor you with every word that comes from my mouth; and every action I perform throughout the day. I pray for a contrite heart, and that I may never be condemnatory toward others. Amen
May you have a blessed weekend!
Constance
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