“But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.”  Luke 11:41

      Most believers struggle with really feeling clean, forgiven, and sanctified.  This has been an issue since Adam and Eve.  Even though we find and receive heaven’s forgiveness, we just don’t inwardly feel clean. 

      Christian culture contributes to this dilemma by focusing upon outward actions instead of inward transformation.  Ceremony alone will never accomplish change.  Ceremonies are supposed to be outward, physical demonstrations of inward manifestations.  But the church and its culture have allowed people to focus totally upon the outward acts, neglecting the inward transformation.  This is why Jesus told the religious leaders of His day, “stop washing the outside of the cup without washing the inside first.” 

      It is easy to focus upon the outward acts because we can see them and for a brief moment, they make us feel better about ourselves.  But outward activities, in-and-of-themselves do not bring inward change.  What does bring change?

      According to Jesus, as an act of love (charity), offer your inward man wholly to the Lord.  Picture yourself giving the Lord your heart and sincerely mean it.  This may be an act you will need to repeat every day.  It will help keep your heart soft and accountable to the Lord. 

      In addition, allow yourself to be “washed by the water of the word.”  (Ephesians 5:26)  Continue daily to read, pray, and meditate on God’s word.  Let the Lord’s word abide in you and you in it, “then all things are clean for you.”  Jesus’ promise is still available!  Will you follow Him?