Outward and Inward Christians

 1 Sam 16:7

..for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

The truth of this scripture is often misinterpreted by others to turn a blind eye to outward appearances. If we are strictly speaking of the clothes we wear and our physical appearance, then it can be argued that you cannot judge a book by its cover. The character of a person should never be judged on what a person looks like. It is natural for us to judge outwardly because we have bias and experiences that may influence our judgment. We can’t see the motives of people’s hearts, so we make the best judgment based on previous knowledge. Outward appearances can be deceiving. Jesus made this clear when he exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisee. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto white sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.” Jesus was not saying that followers of Christ should not look beautiful outwardly, but was teaching that real beauty is found in the hearts of men. On the flip side, scripture teaches us that what God has done on the inside, will show itself on the outside. If we observe a person who uses foul language and profanity, we make a judgment that this person does not have Jesus in their heart. Why? Jesus said. “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” James writes, “Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” As Christians, our outward appearance and behavior is important to God. We are to be an example to others in word and deed. Our influence can encourage others to turn to God, or it can be a stumbling block. It is not our responsibility to go around with a checklist critiquing people, for truly, God only knows the hearts of men, but it is our responsibility to make sure that our outward appearance matches up the standard that God has given to us in His word. May we let our outward lives and appearance reflect what God has done for us inwardly.

Outward Appearance

 1 Sam 16:7
 for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Things don’t always seem as they appear. It is in our nature to make an assessment and judgment on things that we observe. We do it all the time. Our judgment is based on past experience and what we have accepted as a norm for our culture. When we see a well-dressed person, we judge that they have means and care about how they look and present themselves to others. There may be other reasons why they dress up, but we make assumptions. Likewise, when we observe someone who is unkept and dressed in ragged clothes, we assume that they are possibly homeless and don’t have a place to care for their needs. 
The Bible talks about, “You shall know them by their fruit.” In context, scripture is talking about those who appear to be religious or say they are followers of Christ, but inwardly they are raven wolves. The Pharisees are a prime example. Things don’t always seem as they appear. Some will use this scripture in Samuel to say it does not matter what you look like on the outside, but the reality is that it does. Paul was careful not to be a stumbling block to others and was mindful of his influence for Christ. It is not God’s intention that we cast away outward appearance, It is important that outward appearance be a positive influence to the world around us. How we dress, the places we go, and the things we do matter. But God sees through our appearance, and sees the heart. We can’t fool God by trying to look good on the outside. He knows the desires of the heart and will speak to us first about our behavior, spirit and attitude. His first desire is for us to manifest the fruit of the Spirit and live our lives consistent with His word. David did not seem like a likely candidate to be King, but God had His hand on David, and looked at David’s heart. We may not seem to be the person for the job, but God, who knows the hearts of men, can take what appears to be weak and make it strong. 

Bad Company

 Luke 15:2
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
It is important to guard our influence. The religious people in Jesus day thought this was necessary in order to maintain their reputation. They valued their reputation over seeking the lost. Paul admonishes believers not to be a stumbling block to others by the things they do and say. But on the other hand, he says “​​I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” It is prudent that we be careful with the kind of people we hang around with and guard against being influenced by evil. Guilty by association is often attributed to those who hang around bad company, but Jesus sees people who are lost and need to be found. He casted away any inhibition of being identified with sinners and meets people where they are to share His love and forgiveness. Christian who are the light of the world, a world that is darkened by sin are to live in the world, but are not to be a part of it. Let the light of Christ shine to those who are lost and so they can find a way out of darkness.

Salt of the Earth

 Matt 5:13
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
 
The familiar scripture of Jesus teaching on the mount off the lake shore of Galilee, now known as the Sermon of the Mount was given to His followers. They were given a glimpse into the true nature of what it will mean to be a true follower of Christ. Jesus is the true salt of the world, and to follow Him means that we also are the salt of the earth. Sermons have been preached of the significance of being the salt that makes a difference. Salt that has lost its true properties of salt is of little use and is no different that any other dirt mineral that is used to trod upon. If we are to be His disciples, then our life must make a difference. It can be said that a life that follows Christ will make a difference in the world, if such a person is not making a difference, then they are not truly following Christ.

Smell of Christ

 2 Corinth 2:14
Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and make  manifest the aroma of his knowledge by us in every place.
 
CS Lewis said it well:
“Every day we have opportunities to make a difference in the lives of people around us through the quiet witness of a faithful and gentle life or through encouraging words to a weary soul. Never underestimate the effect a Christlike life can have on others.” What do people say about you after you leave a conversation or spend some time together? Obviously, we don’t know since we are not around to find out. But we all have been in places where others are not spoken of in a positive manner. Christ in us will help us to leave an impression that will speak to our positive influence and life. May we always leave the presences of others demonstrating love, grace, and mercy. We don’t always need to agree, but we always need to have the “smell” of Christ left behind the wake of life and conversations.

In My Old Age

 Titus 2:2

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience

How ironic that on my 62nd birthday this scripture was highlighted in verse of the day in Gateway. I often don’t read the scripture of the day, but did today. I don't know if I am considered to be an “aged man”, but I am no longer a young man in my prime. With age comes experience, and with experience hopefully some wisdom. Learning from successes and failures, we learn that it is often best to wait and see how God is moving, staying steadfast in our faith that God is in control. He orders the steps of a good man and keeps him in the way of righteousness. The influence of our life trickles down to our children and grandchildren. The impact we make may never be known in our lifetime, but let it be said of me that my faith was sound, and that I demonstrated love and patience towards others.

Sing Praises

Act. 16: 25  Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them…

Praise sets the captive free. When we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place, and have exhausted our resources, we can pray and praise our way through. The impact and influence of our lives often will reach beyond our personal hard times. How we face hardships is a witness to unbelievers that we have put our trust in something beyond our own resources. Our attitude and spirit in the times of trouble will be observed by others and will determine if living for Jesus really matters. Complaining about our plight in life does not bring glory to God. Praising God in spite of circumstances demonstrates that God is in control and we our submitted to His perfect will.

Faded Gravestones

Isaiah 49:16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

The fact is that in 100 years most people after they have passed on will not be remembered by anyone alive. All that is reminds is a faded gravestone or a name etched on some plaque or memorial stone. The things we did in life are buried in history and for the most part, most people are not interested in the life we lived. As Christians, we don’t live for this life. This world is not our home, we are only passing through. Our life is but a vapor, we live a mere 70-100 years, then we move on. Generations pass, and all that is left is our legacy and influence we made in the lives of other people. The choices we make in this life, for good or bad will leave an everlasting impression with those that walk in our footsteps. The print we leave will not be forgotten. It is marked by God. It has been graven in the palm of His Hand. He will not forgot the things that were done for Him and His kingdom. This world will pass away, but that which is done in His name will live on forever.

Our Days Are Numbered

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Each day is blessing given to us from God. We don’t know the numbers of our days. We wake up each morning not knowing if we will come home and rest our head on our pillow that evening. Life is like grass, it is here for a moment and then fades away with the seasons. Time moves on, and people die and babies are born. We may live to be 70, 80 or past 90, but such is still a vapor compared to eternity. Our days are numbered and only that which has glorified God will last forever. We strive for a better life, gathering our creature comforts around us, but all such material things will be left behind. What is left behind is the life we lived and the influence we imparted to those who followed. So, Lord help us not to waste our days with things that will return to dust, give our heart wisdom to live a life that counts for Christ.

Open Bible

Philip 4:9 “Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.”-

 Our lives are open books for others to see. Weather we realize it or not, people are learning from us. The things we teach others is important. It is essential that we teach the Word and stay focus our teaching on what Christ did for us and to follow the ways of Christ and the message of full obedience. The gospel is one of sharing the grace of God and giving out to others the hope of eternal life. We received from God His mercy and grace, now we must do what we can to give it out so that others may receive it. We live in a day that people are skeptical of anyone who thinks that their way is the only way. It is not wise to “shove” the Bible in people’s face. God’s Word is quick and powerful and is able to bring healing to hurting hearts. We must be wise in are use of sharing His love and grace. The most powerful message we can give people to for them to see the life of Christ that we live. Our life will speak volumes to those who are watching. What do people see in me? Do they see a judgmental, self-righteous, holier than thou person, or do they see someone who is kind, loving, forgiving, selfless, understanding, truthful, and with Godly ambitions. These things are not done in our own human goodness, it takes the Holy Spirit to help us do what is right and good. With His help, we can teach, give, speak, and live a life that will show others what it means to be a Christian and have the peace of God.