Keeping up appearances

Grace took out a pair of jean trousers from her wardrobe, and examined it closely.

“I wore these yesterday.” She said, to no one in particular.

Her roommate looked up from the phone she was holding. “I think they’re fine.”

Grace, who had already proceeded to turn the piece of clothing inside out and began to wipe it down, didn’t give a reply.

“What are you doing?” She gave her a questioning look.

“Cleaning it.”

“You could have just done that on the outward part.”

“Yeah… but I don’t want it to just look clean, I want it to be clean.” Grace said, emphasizing the words.

“Go ahead and wash it then!”, her roommate exclaimed.

Introduction

Our world today is filled with a lot of persons who struggle to appear like what they are not. This happens for various reasons and through various ways. For example, people without a penny to their names will constantly post pictures of themselves in borrowed designer clothes and flashy cars for the satisfaction of external validation.

Many times, an illusion is created in our minds as we see others post about the splendid ways their lives are going when in reality, they may be the most depressed.

Because appearances seem to matter a lot, people strive to look like it even when they’re nowhere near becoming it. Forget faking it till you make it, now we just fake it.

Appearances in Christendom

Can this trend also be found in Christianity? Yes. Yes it can.

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Matthew 15:8 (KJV)

It is possible to be caught in the trap of ‘acting holy’ or ‘speaking churchy’ without bearing substance to the faith which we profess. One Christian author, in her book, described how as a new convert, she almost made acquaintances with some fellow travellers because they spoke ‘Christianese’. However, a closer examination of their conversations revealed that all was not as it looked on the surface.

Adopting the image of a Christian cliché in our outward appearances may seem easier than sincerely partnering with the Holy Spirit for a transformative work in our lives – but there’s great danger in that.

The Dangers of Trying to Keep up Appearances

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Matthew 7:20 (KJV)

A life that is devoid of the inner workings of salvation and consecration can not bear Godly fruits. Despite the false appearances, the absence of Christlikeness will easily, eventually give such a person away.

Most importantly, even if we effectively mask our blatant shortcomings from men, we can not deceive the Lord our God. This is perhaps the gravest consequence, to be shamefully turned away on judgement day by the one who sees us for what we truly are, after living a life of deceptive works.

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

2 Timothy 2:19 (KJV)

In addition, any human vessel that will be effective and useful to the Master for good works must be purged from the inside out.

Conclusion

It is the Lord who sets the standards for our righteousness and who ultimately judges whether or not we measure up. He knows all and with Him, there is no hiding of our deepest flaws. It is great deception to think we can successfully hide from Him. He sees us.

The same Lord has graciously made a way for us to be truly made clean, by the blood of Jesus Christ. Avoiding the solution He provides would result in futile attempts at cleaning ourselves, the frustration of which can result in the phenomenon we have been discussing.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 (KJV)

If you have any struggles, be sincere about them and seek Godly help. Like David, let us continually ask that God searches us so that any evil or wicked way found therein can be dealt with.

There’s provision in the blood of Jesus for our washing and cleansing. There’s power by the Spirit of God to live righteously.

You don’t have to just try to look clean. You can be clean.