Outward persona as opposed to inward grace

In today's world we rely overly much on the perceptions of others to ensure that our status in life is good. We rely on our own perceptions of who people are and react accordingly. If they have a good rap on social media or in the popularity stakes then we acknowledge them as being models for our culture to emulate. Our public facing persona is often how we present to the world and as such is manipulated to demonstrate our best features as it were whilst secretly being somebody else internally. A Jekyll and Hyde situation in the reality of our own lives. We very rarely stop to consider a persons outward persona and compare it with their, to us, hidden persona so that when at some future time point a scandal arises we are shocked and horrified. I do not think that we have to delve far into the archives of any newspaper to find the truth in that. For us as Christians on our journey this is most appropriate for us to consider as we form ourselves into the image of Christ. Our outward persona should of course conform to that of Christ. However, the reality is that hypocrisy is not the purview of the outward facing persona but is in reality the inward persona of our hearts, which as Christians MUST, not should or any other modal verb or adverb display Christ to the world. If our inner persona does not conform to Christ we can easily manipulate the outer in a manner that it appears as if we are displaying Christ to the world. Once our inner persona is correct it is unlikely, though not impossible, for us to display Christ in our outward facing persona.

Our issue is clearly outlined in the gospel passage, (Matt 23.1-12), where the crowds are told to obey the scribes and Pharisees but do not do what they do. There is a clear referencing to the fact that whilst the scribes and the Pharisees are telling the people the correct behaviours it is their inward behaviours that are suspect as they apply those laws to the detriment of the public and to the benefit of themselves. They are seen and lauded for their own piousness but in reality act inappropriately. There are many stories of such hypocrisy from simple callousness to an integrated attitude where the person cannot see that their behaviour is innately wrong. In the modern context it is perhaps obvious, if we actually think about it, that the situation in the Middle East is a portrayal of hypocrisy on a grand scale as much to a certain extent was the recent results of the referendum. If we look at the prophet Micah this becomes abundantly clear that the behaviours being exhibited in the ME is precise to this passage. As Christians our understanding as Christ is to be peacemakers not warmongers. Irrespective of where we stand on a purely political basis our goal is to seek justice and demand peace rather than encourage this side or that.

Is your inner face that of Christ or only your outer persona?

We do not have to dig deep into the scriptures to understand that it is a humbleness of heart that is required as we seek justice and peace in our lives (Matt. 23.11-12). Our common societal outlook today is in line with those that surround the scribes and the Pharisees, we make big of those whose outward face is turned towards the apparent following of Christ but who ignore the greater understanding within their own lives. Our society is all about the outward persona the hype around personality and popularity abounds. For us as Christians we need to ensure that we can see their motivations and not what they portray. Is it to divide or to bring peace? Is it to demand righteousness or sit back and allow injustice? In answering these questions we answer where we stand in terms of Christ's presence in our hearts for if we only display outward presence we do not move towards Christ's heart or God's presence.