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Pause

Sometimes it’s not just that we do something—even a good thing—that matters. What matters more is why and how we do it.

Making the right decisions isn’t always easy. Sometimes it gets downright complicated.

And sometimes it’s a good idea to stop and consider what we are doing and why. Right now is just such a time.

Listen

While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you.

Luke 11:37-41

Think

We all like to look good. I like a good haircut or new clothes. I like it when I give a presentation and others compliment me. I like it when I do something well and others appreciate it. It is easy to spend time thinking about these outside things. It is far harder to share my heart with someone. It is hard to spend time thinking about and exploring what is going on inside of me. I’d rather look into a mirror and see the well put together person with a good haircut and fashionable clothes.

Jesus invites us to look beyond these things. He invites us to look into our hearts, our own souls. Saint Augustine said, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” When was the last time you looked, not at your looks, but at your own soul? Take time to look into your own eyes.

Andrew Kellner

Pray

God, help me to not just look at what is on the outside, but to also see what is in my soul. Help me also to look beyond the exterior and see the hearts of others. Amen.

Go

Go now knowing that God knows you inside and out.
Go knowing that God accepts you and is redeeming you.
Go knowing that God has given you all you need
To do and become all that God intends.

You are a work in progress
And your Creator is at work in you still.

Trust the Maker’s hand.