Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Matthew 23:25–26:
You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.

Have you ever had a moment when everything seemed fine on the outside, but something felt "off" inside?

As we age and transition into adulthood, we begin to experience new freedoms in our lives. Things like late nights, no curfew, new friends, and new opportunities, which many of us desire as children, begin to unfold and become ours for the taking.

On the outside, life can look exciting. But spiritually, we can feel empty. Freedom without boundaries can expose that our hearts are drifting away from any connection with Jesus we had as adolescents.

When this happens, it's easy to claim we know Christ but live far from him. To maintain appearances, we may even focus more on what people see, what we say, or how we serve; however, we can miss the most crucial part of a life of adventure with Jesus: the state of our hearts.

Jesus challenges this kind of surface-level spirituality in Matthew 23. The Pharisees looked religious, but their hearts were distant. He called them to clean the inside of the cup first, because he was teaching us all that fundamental transformation starts within. God doesn't want polished exteriors; he wants surrendered hearts.

That kind of heart-change only comes when we allow God to work from the inside out.

So, here's the challenge: What are you feeding your heart? What worldly freedoms are shaping your thoughts and desires?

No matter the stage of life you are in, ask God to reveal where your heart is divided between the freedoms that we have available and the freedom he offers. Invite him to transform not just your behavior, but your desires.

A beautiful truth in how knowing Jesus changes everything: you don't have to wait until all your behaviors have changed or be perfect to pursue him. Even if you're in the middle of a mess created by choices you've made, Jesus stands with open arms, ready to catch you, lift you, and meet you right where you are—always waiting for you to connect or reconnect with him.

Questions:

Where in your life have you been focusing more on the outside than the inside?

Examine what you’re spiritually consuming most right now. How is it shaping your heart?

Next Step:
This week, spend time in honest prayer. Ask God to align your heart with his, to give you his desires, and to clean the inside first. Journal about what you hear God is teaching you, and take steps to adjust toward a life lived in true connection with him.

Have you said yes to following Jesus, but not taken a next step? Baptism is a powerful way to show the world that you follow Jesus and live a new life in him. GrowthTrack empowers you to explore how your personality, passions, and place all work together and point to the sweet spot of your purpose. Or simply connect with us, and we can help you find a next step! 

Prayer:
God, I don’t want to just look like I follow you—I want to truly know you. Change me from the inside out. Give me a heart that loves what you love and turns away from anything that keeps me from you. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.