“there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him.” Mk 7:15

These are the words of Jesus He spoke to the religious Jews who took special care of washing hands, pots and pans but who were clearly defiled in their hearts and souls. 

The words of Christ remind me of something G.K. Chesterton said that, “while saints can afford to be dirty, seducers have to be clean.” Chesterton, What is Wrong with the World, p.76.

Hypocrisy in a man must be concealed by outward washing and polish on the exterior. These fool the carnal man who will support the seducer. It is why many charlatans dress in the very best of clothing.

I am personally leery of preachers who wear the finest in clothing and who speak in affected and flowery speech. They use these to cover and conceal the true self which they cannot allow to be seen. But the beautiful dress does fool many men who support these hypocrites.

Jesus said, “you blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.” Mt 23:26.

It is not that the outward presentation is to be neglected, but God’s people focus their efforts first on making the inside clean. Clean inside then has a way of becoming manifest on the outward appearance. The eyes are brighter. The tongue cleaner. The lifestyle purer. The appearance less offensive to the eyes, nose, and ears of the world.

So give up seducing and trying to fool people that you are something you are not. Become pure and godly on the inside. This will make you genuine and a more useful servant of Christ Jesus.

Humbly I offer this. – Dan

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