Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Proverbs 16:1-3 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.
THE ADVANTAGE OF ADVENT (3)
Have you ever been one to "Keep up appearances?" Probably the better question is, "Is it a good idea to just 'keep up appearances'?" If this is the case at school, then it won't be long before the grades show the failure in effort. If this is the case at work, then it won't be long before the work reveals the weariness. If this is the case at home, then it won't be long before a loving family turns to a living arrangement. If this is the case at church, then it won't be long before faithful preparation and attendance turns to a faithless heart and godless lifestyles.
Jesus pointedly censured the Jewish teachers of His day when He said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" (Matthew 23:27-28). The Pharisees were guilty of putting on an outward show, living a life to please men rather than God, and simply "keeping up appearances." While inside, having a heart that was selfish, proud and unrepentant, and full of deceit.
Jesus didn't come to this world to hide what was in His heart. Those same Pharisees He warned He also came to and wanted desperately to save! Jesus went on to tell them, "How often I wanted to gather you ... as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37). So why did Jesus continue to preach and teach to them? Why put in the work and effort? In this we see displayed outwardly the heart of our Savior. We see His continuous work to "seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Jesus let us see into His heart and thereby gives us great comfort by showing us His divine love towards sinners like us and His eternal righteousness, freely given! And He teaches us to turn away from the way of the hypocrite who is just "keeping up appearances."
At school, use God's gifts and put in the effort to study and grow in knowledge. At work, use your God given abilities to work hard and enjoy the fruits of your labor with which God blesses. At home, use God's Word for the wisdom, healing and forgiveness, and unity needed to bless your family. At church, cherish your time with your Savior and fellow believers, so that His love and name aren't just an outward appearance, but a reflection of His preparation of our hearts.
