1 Samual 15:22

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed is better than the fat of rams”

 

As Christians, we seek to become clean in GOD's eyes but how do we do that? Basically we were created to enjoy GOD's presence but we have strayed from HIS path and the only way to cleanse is through Jesus Christ and to obey His word. In society throughout history, including now, we have been too concerned with our external appearances. We do our best to clean our bodies, clothes, hair, etc. so others won't look down us but we show little concern for being clean on the inside.

 

Jesus pointed this out to the hypocritcal pharisees when He rebuked them.

 

"You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness” (Matthew 23:25-28).

 

In order to cleanse ouselves on the inside we have to have a pure heart and cleanliness means obedience. When we rely on our own ways, we distance ourselves from GID's guidance and this usually leads to muddying ourselves on the inside.

 

Make sure that any good you do externally is reflected in your heart. Outward appearance may be necessary for acceptance in society but GOD only accepts those that are clean on the inside. Even in the case of church goers Jesus said, 

 

“‘These people honor me with their lips,  but their hearts are far from me.  They worship me in vain;  their teachings are but rules taught by men’” (Matthew 15:8-9).