What’s on the inside?

Susan and I were driving home from “the little big apple,” Manhattan, KS, on Sunday morning and decided to stop for a little coffee and breakfast. On-road trips like this, we are typically pretty careful about where we stop as we try to keep it a “healthy” as possible (yes, French fries are on the “healthy” list), and we look for places that are reasonably clean. Well, we got off the exit somewhere in Nowhereville, Illinois, and noticed there was a Dunkin Donuts. Yes! I started dreaming of a hot cup of coffee and a croissanwhich. As we pulled up to the oasis, it looked new, nice, clean, and busy—all good signs. Then we parked and walked in.

Immediately struck by the smell of the overflowing garbage by the door, we continued in, and with our feet sticking to the dirty floor, we walked towards the rest rooms. I opened the door, and it was filthy. Oh well, I thought, I guess I won’t be eating here after all.

What a disappointment as with all the travel we do, Dunkin Donuts typically is a safe option for us, but this one looked good on the outside but was filthy on the inside. No matter how good the outside looks, if you don’t take care of the inside, it’s repelling. We moved on. 

This reminded me of a story where Jesus sat down to eat without first performing the traditional hand washing ceremony and was chastised by some of the people around him. This is how he responded: “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy-full of greed and wickedness.”

What’s on the inside? Are you keeping a safe, clean place for others? Does your outside look good, but on the inside, you need some work? If people could see what’s inside, would they want to stay and be in a relationship, or would they say no thanks and move on?

Remember to care for what’s inside first, as that’s what’s most important. This doesn’t happen by accident, be intentional to pay attention to your thoughts, pay attention to how you respond to certain situations and people, be self-aware and honest. Then feed your mind and heart with nourishment by way of reading and seeking counsel and help from people who care and are equipped and commit to the journey of keeping the inside clean, safe, and healthy.