“How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! Blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup, and then the outside will become clean, too” (Matthew 23:25-26 NLT).
I’ll tell you, I have to be very careful, as a mom, as a Sunday school teacher, as a leader of small children—as a Christian woman, not to be just Sunday clean when our day of worship rolls around.
The wrinkles can be pressed out of the skirt and blouse. The jewelry can be matched to the outfit. The hair and make-up looking better than any other day of the week. The Bible, Sunday School book and planner gathered and carried with gracefulness under one arm…leaving one hand free for those handshakes we churchy-people so love.
The effort comes in making sure I’m Sunday clean when it’s time to worship with my Christian family in the Lord’s house. I need to make sure what’s dirtied me through the week has been forgiven. I need to make sure the attitudes and emotions okayed by society are filtered through Christ’s acceptance. I need to take the extra time and place others, their needs, their burdens, ahead of mine.
I can look good on the outside—but that’s not where God will be looking when I come before His throne in praise and adoration. I can be Sunday clean sitting on the pew—but even Sunday clean is not good enough when it comes to being worthy of entering His presence.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for retired missionary and former FWBIM communications director Don Robirds, who is currently serving again (short-term) in Brazil.
