Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish,
inside you are filled with plunder and evil.
The LORD isn't concerned with appearances. He doesn't like when people are trying to look a certain way to please the crowd. He really doesn't like when others are pressured to conform just for the sake of religiosity. On the other hand, external acts sometimes do have value. But that value is never found in self-image. They have value when our inner self is truly involved.
But as to what is within, give alms,
and behold, everything will be clean for you.
When we ourselves are deciding whether or not to do something how can we tell if we're overly concerned about self-image? We need to realize that whether or not it helps us to think about ourselves in the way we want is beside the point. Are we acting in faith? Is it love? If so, we're good to go.
For in Christ Jesus,
neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything,
but only faith working through love.
It isn't so hard. We don't have to second guess ourselves constantly when we learn to act based on our faith in Jesus. When what we are doing is loving we can't go wrong. We learn to recognize when faith, hope, and love are missing motivations. It is only then that we run into trouble.
And I will walk at liberty,
because I seek your precepts.
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