SUMMARY: Makeup removal
OVERVIEW: Jesus publicly opposes religious leaders. Not only are they blind to their sin, but they lead others away from God.
BIG IDEA: Don’t be a hypocrite. Live with integrity and confess your sin when you don’t.
KEY VERSE: Matthew 23:27 (Jesus to teachers and Pharisees)
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
You don’t have to pretend with me or with anyone else. Because I have set you free, you no longer have to try to impress others. Let go of that exhausting competition. The more you try to make yourself look good, the less people see me. So, drop the “look at me” lifestyle and just…be…you. I like you—so there’s no need to be anyone else.
Don’t bother being so obsessed with outward appearances that you ignore the fundamental changes I want to do in your life. Be still before me. I receive you just as you are. I welcome you with open arms. Allow me to grow and develop you as my child, whom I love. Allow me to accept you, love you, and teach you as you follow. Come to me free of fear and with a sense of hope and expectation. I am for you, and I love you, so come and follow me.
NEXT STEP
As you interact with people today, make it a point to listen. Don’t talk about yourself. Ask questions about others’ interests. Find out more about those around you without demanding attention for yourself.
MUSIC VIDEO
BONUS Video
“Authentic speech” from The Adjustment Bureau