GOOD ON THE INSIDE

I found this helpful and encouraging statement in a book I am reading, "Unshakable Foundations by Norman Geisler and Peter Bocchino", in their chapter on ethics and morals (p326). Here is the statement, "According to Jesus, God is ultimately interested in developing our character and seeks for us to internalize moral principles so that the true measure of moral goodness is based upon who we are (personal integrity) and not just what we do (controlling our public actions)".
If this statement was a reality in every professing Christian the world would experience a cultural revolution. The world would see a genuine Christianity driven by love and grace and not by law, rules and legalism. They would see transformed lives of honesty and plain truth.
In this statement is the essence of the call in the New Testament to be conformed to Jesus Christ, to put on Christ, and the command in Romans 12.1-2 to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This statement also implies the need for a daily renewal of our fellowship of union with Christ, the examination of the heart and repentance, and refilling of the Holy Spirit, for our goodness must ultimately come from Christ in us.
This call to personal integrity in relationship with Jesus Christ requires a dependence on God that checklist Christianity does not require. It is dynamic, not static. Response to circumstances is Holy Spirit led not scripted. It is costly and sacrificial and personal. But it also shows the reality of God in our lives that goes far beyond religion. Goodness that comes from inside manifests Jesus our Lord.

If you sense today that you have drifted away from walking in the Spirit and defaulted to living out the rules of your brand of Christianity then take some quiet alone time in the presence of God. Confess the need for renewal in your heart, confess your sins, ask God to fill you afresh, and come back to His presence often. You do not even have to say much while in the presence of God, just spend time there.
May God be the blessing of your week.