Outward versus Inward

By THE SPIRIT it is written in Hebrews chapter 7:

14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.

15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest

16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.

17 For He testifies:

​​​“You are a priest forever

​​According to the order of Melchizedek.”

​18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,

19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Unconditional Love is the determining factor of whether you live your life focused on the outward or inward.  Most everyone can love on a conditional basis because it requires performance to be satisfied.  “If, then” are the two words that often accompany the conditional relationship.   “If you love me then you will do this or that.”  If is a life of conditions.

When Jesus arrived on the scene, He brought forth a higher realm of Love- Agape Love, or unconditional Love.  His ministry was not based on the Levitical priesthood which included the 613 commandments and statutes but only included two spoken by Him in Matthew chapter 22:

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

The entire Scripture is fulfilled by these two commandments of Love.  Both of these commandments focus on the internal motivation within us rather than the outward conformity to a list of do’s and don’ts.  Since there are only two commandments to follow, the mind is not required to be in command and memorize all the details of the Law.  Our spirit knows the difference between walking in Love and walking based on performance which ultimately results in manipulation and enslavement.

Ultimately the outward responds to the inward.  If you do not walk in Love, you will eventually revert back to the old man and take on the lusts thereof, often in a most subtle fashion.  We must remain vigilant in our walk thus we must look into the mirror and do a critical assessment of our fruit.  Are we producing fruit unto life or are we promoting death and destruction?  The children of Israel could not enter the Promised Land because of the unbelief even though they saw miracles daily.  Joshua and Caleb had the inward witness of receiving the promise but only after the unbelief was removed from their midst.  Let each of us focus on changing the inward and then we will see the fruit in an outward fashion.

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