Our Character in Christ

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Luke 11:39 Then the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness.” (NKJV)

Do you know someone like this? Is that person looking at you in the mirror?

 

In Matthew 23:25-28 Jesus condemned the Pharisees and religious leaders for outwardly appearing saintly and holy but inwardly remaining full of corruption and greed. Living our Christianity merely as a show for others is like washing a cup on the outside only. When we are clean on the inside, our cleanliness on the outside will not be a sham.

Living two lives like this is a lot of work. You have to work at guarding your life so no one will see the real inside of you. You also have to work at how others may see the outside of you and hope they do not discover your real heart on the inside as you live from day to day. I watched a young man try to do this and he was exhausted. He was trying to live the life of a believer at home in front of his family while at work he lived a different life, that of a non-believer. Over time conviction overcame him as the fight roared along inside him. One day he came to me and said that he could not face it anymore and wanted to know what to do. Over two hours later he gave up and surrendered his whole self to Christ. Yes, work was challenging to say the least, but he discovered the strength and courage found in Joshua 1:9 and stood for the cause of Christ, even at work. Yes, some of his friends abandoned him, but others (believers) surrounded him in friendship and prayer. The war on the inside was over. He began to live a genuine life.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, guide me into living a genuine life in You that I may not bring shame to You in any way. Give me strength and courage along my journey that I may reflect You in all that I say and do. In Jesus’ name I pray! AMEN!!!

Have a BLESSED Day!!!

In Christ,

Pastor Ted Wilkins

© 2026 Ted Wilkins

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