Religion on the lips without truth in the heart is like painting rust. A traditional proverb instructs, “Better to be known as a sinner than a hypocrite.” The Pharisees focused on the external observances, concentrated so much on the letter of the law, and neglected the spirit and motives behind the law. Their righteousness was an outward, external, formal, and ceremonial display of righteousness, which is contrary to the righteousness that comes from the heart. They ignored more serious matters such as justice, truth, love, purity, and holiness of heart. Jesus challenged the Pharisees against the habit of hypocrisy, which he described as cleaning the outside of the cup and leaving the inside (the heart) filthy (Luke 11:39, 40, 44). We forget often that “The Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). In other words, the mind and the heart speak louder than the face. Jesus wants his followers to avoid the trap of self-righteousness, self-sufficiency, and the pride of the Pharisees. Christ looks for inward righteousness such as love, peace, joy and patience, self-control, and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). More still from inner beauty comes goodness, generosity, and forgiveness. Can our righteousness, purity, and sacrifices be more sincere and inward? *************** Luke 11:37-41; Tuesday, 28th Week