20 March | Youth
«Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.» Matthew 23:28
Living on appearance is a dangerous option. Making mistakes publicly and being exposed to shame and embarrassment is not good; but worse than that is making mistakes secretly and convincing yourself that everything is fine simply because no one knows. When people get used to keeping a double life without fighting against cherished sins, the danger is much greater.
Living life like this, internal and imperceptible wounds begin to develop, gradually consuming the person completely. This is how hidden sin defines a person's eternal destiny, eating away at you from the inside and slowly killing you spiritually.
This was the problem with some scribes and Pharisees. They were religious people, but they did not have God in their hearts. They maintained religious routines but hid a corrupt heart. In a way, they specialized in pretending to be what, in fact, they were not.
Situations like these reflect a state of spiritual death, despite the appearance of holiness. The sinner would rather be content with their spiritual makeup than face the necessary repentance and transformation.
Jesus condemned this trait in the scribes and Pharisees. In the same way, He warns us today about this terrible hoax. Appearing does not mean being. We need to be real Christians and have a life with Christ in essence, not just in appearance. It is necessary to live a real and true Christianity, not an empty religious formalism.
Have you ever tried to appear something you are not? Have you ever pretended to be strong when you were weak? This is dangerous. Do not allow this reality to settle in your life.
Recognize your condition and present it before God. Do not accept living on appearance! Be authentic. God loves you and wants to make you a new person.