ROMANS 2:28

“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.” 

I heard about a preacher who disguised himself one Sunday morning as a homeless person and sat by the front doors of the church. He purposely dressed in filthy clothes and put on a fake beard. No one recognized him as their pastor. Almost everyone just looked at him and walked away. The few who did speak asked him to move away from the door. One or two people did offer him coffee or water. Finally, someone invited him in. When he reached the sanctuary, he started taking off his disguise as he walked down the aisle to the podium. People were shocked and embarrassed. What was on the inside could not be seen because of the outward appearance.

Paul says in today’s verse that the Jews’ outward appearance did not make them Jewish. Their circumcision nor the way the wore their clothes meant they were in covenant with God and were keeping His commands. Some Jews went to extreme lengths to follow the law, while at the same time living like a pagan. How does this apply to us a followers of Christ?

APPLICATION

The Topical Lexicon says this verse “contrasts outward visibility with inward reality: ‘A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly.’ External badges may be manifest yet spiritually empty; inward authenticity will eventually be revealed.” I think about those who show up on Easter Sunday all dressed in their finest Easter outfit. They haven’t been seen since last Easter, but they look good. The outward appearance can mask the inward attitude.

Don’t get me wrong – I like to dress up on Sundays. I know it’s not required, but I feel it shows reverence for our Lord. However, my outward appearance does not imply a more spiritual attitude than the teen who shows up in shorts and a t-shirt. It’s the heart that matters. I have said this over and over in the last several blogs as Paul addresses the Gentiles and Jews in this passage.

Today, examine your inner being. Ask the Lord to reveal your motives for your spiritual journey. We should only have one true motive – to give glory to Him. Everything we do should point towards Jesus. Less of me and more of Him. Then it won’t matter what is on our bodies. Live holy and let others see your heart.

Father, let my inner motives be revealed to others as I serve you humbly and obediently.

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