“Inside Out” by Dr. Larry Crabb (chapter 1)

Chapter 1 is entitled “Real Change Requires An Inside Look.” However, for all of us, the word change scares us. Not because of the actual word, change, for it is simple in stature. Let me give you a couple of examples: Someone has the wrong time on their watch, so you ask them to change it to the correct time providing an example of the correct time, or say you are going down a road, but you are forced to make a change in direction due to road construction on the path that you normally take.

No, this is not the “change” the author of this book is talking about, for Dr. Larry Crabb starts off with the title he has given to his first chapter, “Real Change Requires An Inside Look.”

He wants Christians to change from the inside out to become more like Christ, and although this change is hard, it is what we are called to do. 1 Peter 2:21 puts it succinctly as the apostle Peter states,

For to this, you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His steps. (ESV)

On page 38 of “Inside Out,” Jesus says,

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but on the inside, they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First, clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. (Matthew 23:25-26 NIV 1984)

Can’t you see that we (True Life Christians) can be as “blind” as the Pharisee? We have to be careful: every word that comes out of our mouth, every thought, every action we perform or don’t do. For we have to be vigilant on every word, thought, or action or inaction we do and to stay as close to Jesus Christ like clothes stuck to your body when it rains.