In Chapter 4 (“Authentic to Be Accepted”) of The End of Me, Kyle Idleman observes that no one like it when someone advertises one thing and delivers something entirely different- whether that is a business or an individual. Businesses with false advertising claims are one thing, but when we apply this standard to ourselves, however, it’s another story. Taking a look in the mirror and asking ourselves if we show our true selves to the world is much more difficult.
It’s hard to risk showing our true selves to the world, even considering the possibility people might be more drawn to us if they know some of our failings and struggles. As Kyle notes, “fear is the enemy of transparency.” Yet, it is when our inside and our outside match up that we’re pure in heart and where God wants us to be.
Pastor Idleman states the word purity was a buzz word in Jesus’ day. Purity captured what religion was all about. The problem was the Pharisees defined purity almost exclusively in terms of outward acts. But Jesus put a new spin on the word- what Kyle refers to as “purity of heart over purity of decoration.”
A pure heart is unmixed (no bad ingredients) and sincere. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”- Matthew 5:8
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you establish “purity of heart over purity of decoration? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The audience you choose”
