Clean the Inside 1st

Everybody was smiling, dressed nicely, and "appeared" happy at church on
 Easter morning....EXCEPT for one man I met.  He looked grumpy and very uncomfortable.  I assumed he didn't want to be there.  I knew his wife--and she's indicated (on a few occasions) that she's in a very unhappy marriage....but she's "sticking-it-out!"

Most people put on a good "act" when they're at church, or out in public--but (I often wonder) how do they behave at home--behind closed doors? 

I've had the privilege of visiting hundreds of homes because of my ministry as a hospice chaplain.  I've seen a lot of things (behind closed doors).  It may look pretty on the outside of the house, but there's a lot of pain, abuse, discomfort, and filth that you find when you get inside.

God's dealing with me to not only "appear" good--as though I have it altogether--on the outside (when I'm in public), but particularly when I'm at home...especially with my husband and loved ones. 

Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees (the religious leaders of that day):  "...you clean the outside of the cup...but inside you are full of extortion and self-indulgence...1st clean the inside of the cup...that the outside will be clean also!"   Jesus wants us to be as clean on the INSIDE as on the OUTSIDE.  Oh--I don't mean just our houses, but our hearts!!! 

Many children received chocolate Easter bunnies in their Easter baskets yesterday (Easter Sunday).  Some were made of solid milk chocolate.....some were hollow inside.  (I prefer the solid ones!  You get so much more chocolate!)  And--like the chocolate Easter bunnies, many people are hollow inside--and they need to be "filled" with Christ Jesus; then, and only then, can they be made "clean" inside and "whole."

I pray you're not "faking it"....I pray you're "authentic"...a solid Christian--filled with the Holy Spirit and rejoicing that you've entered a NEW LIFE with Christ.  If not--TASTE, and see that He is good!  (Even better than chocolate!)