Matthew 23: 25: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence." The Pharisees were more concerned with appearances than the inner condition of the heart. Who would want to drink from a cup that was clean on the outside but filthy on the inside? Of course, no one would. Yet, that was exactly how the Pharisees lived. Jesus pointed it out and rebuked them for their hypocrisy. Too many in the church today focus on externals. Don't hear what I'm not saying. Yes, modesty is mandated for the believer and there are certain things believers just don't do because of their New Nature. However, some can become very legalistic over clothes, entertainment, and church rules and other conditions of acceptance into a fellowship. We must guard against it at all costs. We are to be tough on the religious hypocrites but gentle with those who hear God calling them to come to Him. We are His ambassadors.
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