The heart of this home…. (devo reflection)

Matthew 23:5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long…”

This morning, during my three trips up and down the driveway to get all the garbage to the road, I noticed just how terrible the yard right in front of our house looks. By the last trip down I was ready to lay into my husband about the mess. After all, what must our neighbors think of us?

Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.…”

And God gently reminded me with today’s scripture that like so many things, it’s not what’s on the outside, it’s not appearances that matter. It’s what’s at the heart. And the heart of this home, even with all its clutter and junk, even with all the vines and detritus, the heart of this home is love—love of God, love for each other.

Matthew 23:25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.

Lord, Thank You for the perspective of this morning. Thank You for the reminder that outward appearances are not what is truly important, that this house, this life, this marriage are rooted in You, first and foremost. Help me never to forget what is important: loving You and loving others. Amen.

Matthew 23:28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Have a blessed day.