We’re all concerned about how we look on the outside – our vanity being a part of us. Just think about how much money is spent on products to make us look better, smell better, and dress better. While it’s important to take care of ourselves, what does our heart look like? If the true state of our insides were on display like our outside is, what would we see? Would it be envy, anger, strife, bitterness, hatred (the list goes on)? Hopefully, we’d see graciousness, love, forgiveness, patience, joyfulness and many other good things.

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples saying. “They clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean,” Matthew 23:25-26 NIV.

It doesn’t matter how good you look when you get all dressed up, when you open your mouth and ugliness comes spewing out. This reveals what the real you looks like. You can’t hide behind a beautiful appearance. You’ll shine or you won’t from the inside out, for better or worse.

God is concerned about what comes from our hearts when we give our lives to Him. He helps us clean our hearts to be a witness of His love for us and in us.

Give yourself a checkup. What condition is your heart in? Pay attention to your thoughts and reactions throughout your day. Watch how you’re speaking to and treating those around you.

 
Think about it: Others only truly know you by the truth revealed from your heart, through the words spoken out of your mouth.