"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." (Mt 23:27-28)
Religiosity for the sake of appearing righteous to other people is pure hypocrisy.
This has been the case of the religious leaders when the Lord came to the world. They are more concerned of their stature in society to the point of even using God for their own selfish interest and benefit.
Friend, it is not wrong to appear beautiful or righteous for so long as we are true to ourselves. Such positive attributes should not be used as a pretense or cover from our own sinful habits and wrongdoings.
Let us not pretend that everything is fine when in truth, there is a need for us to be cleansed of our sins.
We are all sinners and only by the grace of God can we be saved. The emphasis of the Lord is not on the sinner but on the sins that deprives us from living a life of truth.
While we are sinners, Christ died for us.
Lord, you are the light of truth that dispels darkness. Help me fill up the measure of expressing love and concern for other people rather than appearing beautiful and righteous as a pretense to lord over them. Cleanse me from all impurities and fill me with your love so that my joy will truly be full and complete. I surrender to you everything, use me for your greater glory, honor and praise. With openness of heart and mind, I humbly beg for forgiveness and mercy in Jesus Name. Amen.
