The enemies of our LORD sought to be seen, celebrated, accepted, and aggrandized of men. But the true disciple agrees with the apostle Paul when He wrote “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Philippians 3:3)
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” Psalms 51:6
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
Think about it, Jesus Himself never wore designer clothes. So, wearing our “Sunday best” is not following Jesus or pleasing Him.
It’s time to break traditions that are drawing attention to self instead of the Savior. We should actually be dressing down in order not to draw away attention from Christ onto ourselves.
“That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:29-31
When we begin to see the kingdom of God for what it really is – it’s about KING Jesus, we will begin being uncomfortable around those going along with the tradition of trying to elevate self by what we cover our nakedness with.
Isn’t that what the definition of clothing is? – to cover our nakedness and not to bring glory to sinful self while robbing that glory due only the LORD Jesus Christ?
The truth that God looks upon the hearts of all men is as elementary a biblical truth as can be observed in His Word. Why then do so many glory in show and outward pageantry? Why do people not see this for what it is? Jesus gave us a simple, tangible tool whereby we can measure and discern who is of Him and who is not of Him among those posing as His representatives.
“Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes (fancy clothes), and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; 47 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.” Luke 20:46-47
I wonder why in some circles, there is the unspoken rule that everyone should “dress up” their flesh to “go to church”? Have you ever thought about how shallow and unbiblical that is? Do we for a moment think God is impressed with the cotton or material covering our nakedness? If so, we have no clue of what God desires and requires from those who will be His and serve Him.
JUST WHO DOES GOD LOOK TO?
“Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:1-2
The LORD made all and so is not impressed with us when we take the materials HE created and make fancy outer garb to dress the flesh. The Bible tells us that “The LORD looketh ON THE HEART” and not the threads (1 Samuel 16:7). God is not impressed with our formalities especially when they are cloaking wickedness in our hearts.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” (Matthew 23:23-28)
Todd Tomasella
SafeGuardYourSoul.com
e: info@SafeGuardYourSoul.com
Links:
http://womenwhofeargod.com/
http://momentsformymaster.comhttp://todd-tomasella.com
http://predatorsinourpulpits.com/
http://safeguardyoursoulaudios.blogspot.com/
http://bewarefalseprophets.blogspot.com/
http://momentsformymaster.blogspot.com/
http://toddtomasella-safeguardyoursoul.blogspot.com/
http://safeguard-your-soul.blogspot.com/
http://graceandtruthbibleschool.blogspot.com/
http://todd-tomasella.blogspot.com/
http://safeguardyoursoul.com
