​Look Beyond the Letters

A conversation on interior transformation over legalism is a fitting theme for this article.

Clearing the reading desk of many senior academics can be challenging. You may not know what is essential and what isn’t. Although the table appears messy, the academic sees every paper on that desk as necessary.

This scenario isn’t unique to scholars; many of us have messy desks and untidy studies. We’ve grown accustomed to keeping things a certain way, making any attempt by a cleaner to organize them uncomfortable.

Life’s Analogy: Routine vs. Core Values

This analogy relates to our everyday life in many ways. Often, we become used to a particular way of living and ignore the core values that matter most. While finding a routine can be good, comfortable, and less stressful, it can also be a barrier to the Spirit.

Consider the legalism prevalent in many of our cultures, some of which may not align with our Christian faith. Coming from Africa, where traditional culture is vital, I know this firsthand.

Jesus Confronts Legalism

On several occasions, Jesus confronted legalism among his followers and brethren. One example is when a Pharisee invited Him for dinner. The Pharisee was amazed to see that Jesus did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. Jesus responded, “Oh, you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you” (Luke 11:38-41).

Harsh as this may sound to some, Jesus strongly objected to hypocrisy and legalism. These practices ignore true holiness under the guise of external observances. They appear good on the outside but are lacking on the inside.

The Problem with Ritual Purification

The Pharisee’s problem wasn’t due to hygienic concerns. For sanitary reasons, one should wash their hands before eating. Instead, the issue was a broader rite of ritual purification. Tradition dictated that one must ritually wash their hands to prevent contaminating the entire person from what the hands had touched, regardless of previous cleanliness.

Ritual washing is a religious ceremony with a strict format. It includes pouring water from a cup or jar twice over the right hand, then twice over the left hand, ensuring the unpurified hands do not touch the ritual’s water before it is poured. During this, a prayer is recited: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Thy commandments and has commanded us concerning the washing of the hands.” The hands are then dried with a towel before enjoying the meal.

Inner Transformation vs. Mechanical Process

While this ritual seems pleasant and the prayer is beautiful, the belief that unwashed hands could contaminate the entire person was erroneous. This view made purity or holiness a physical, mechanical process rather than an inner transformation and virtue.

Remember when Jesus stated that it is not what goes into a man that makes him unclean, but what comes out of him (Matthew 15:11). This aligns with His teaching here.

May we always realize that external observances are incomplete without interior transformation and the practice of virtue. May we be inspired to keep not merely the letters of the law but the spirit. When our hearts are open to the Spirit, we open our hearts to the love of God and one another. Amen.

I am praying for the grace of inner renewal and anointing, which manifests in good, holy works and behavior. Amen.

God loves you. God bless you.

Watch Today’s One-Minute Inspiration