This morning I saw a post about “Jelly Roll” making an appearance at a hospital where he sat and visited for 3 hours with a little boy who had been battling loneliness. 

Before I go any further let me just mention, for those who may not know who “Jelly Roll” is, he is a music artist whose life was transformed from one of a hard core gangster background, who is tattooed from face down. 

I would bet to say if you met him on the street you’d turn and run the other way. 

He’s had a life changing experience, not knowing if it was due to an encounter with Christ because I have not heard his testimony, however, there is no doubt in my mind his heart has been transformed, its evident in his steps but most would not know it by his appearance. 

As I read the article this morning it took my thoughts to ponder over 

the scriptures. 

What does scripture say to us about transformation and cleanliness of the heart over outward appearances? 

I took the liberty to look up some scriptures for us this morning.

Matthew 23:25-26 reads:
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, pointing out that they diligently clean the outside of cups and dishes while neglecting the inside, which is full of greed and self-indulgence. 

He is emphasizing “true cleanliness” begins within, and the outward appearance will be transformed as a result. 

Psalm 51:10 King David prayed “Create in me a clean heart, O 

God, and renew a right spirit within me” 

I believe this scripture is teaching us when God intervenes he cleanses our heart and renews our inner man. One more,  2 Corinthians 7:1 “ purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of a reverence for God”.

What Paul is trying to teach the people is they needed to have a conscious effort to get rid of anything that defiled the inner man.

There are several others but hopefully you get where I am going with this.
True change begins within the heart, then to the mind, ultimately moving outward. I do believe our outward actions are a result from our inner man.
A person who is bitter, who is hateful, who has unresolved issues will demonstrate ungodly character  and actions. Let me say this, I am not trying to pass judgment on anyone’s behaviors this morning, these are just my own thoughts from my own experiences, so don’t judge me today😊

Now, getting back to Jelly Roll, I took the liberty to research him, and his background is one of darkness and death as much as one could possibly imagine from the life of a gangster but to see and listen to him today, in my personal opinion is one, of a man with a changed heart. I love the song that he and Brandon Lake sang together, “Hard Fault Hallelujah” there is so much truth in that one song that any one person can relate to it. 

Having a cleansed heart is a gift from God, one that is repositioned and transformed by the Holy Spirt and through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross for you and I. 

My encouragement today, don’t judge a book by its cover because you may find yourself moved and stirred by what’s on the inside.