The difference between living inside-out and living
outside-in is one of the most important truths taught by Christ, and one that
is immeasurable in its value to us and impact on our lives. Before you start thinking I am talking about turning
your clothing so that the tags show and the seams are ragged, let me explain
what I mean.
To live outside-in means to allow those things of
the “world” – whether it be circumstances, the actions or words of other
people, or the enemy – to flow into you and determine your choices and your
feelings. Most people live
outside-in. They are preoccupied with
what others think of them – approval-junkies – or with what circumstances are
doing “to” them – viewing themselves as victims. Their choices and feelings are “tossed to and
fro by every wave that comes along.”
They do not stand on solid ground.
Things other than God in their hearts have power over them. As a result, they live in fear – fear of what
others are thinking of them or doing to them, fear of what unknown
circumstances and what those circumstances might do to them, and fear of making
their own choices for fear of choosing poorly.
Outside-in living is a very unhealthy, empty, hopeless, and powerless
way to live.
Visualize yourself standing beside the sea holding a
fishing net. You toss your net out into
the “sea” (the symbol for the worldly view throughout Scripture) and haul in
what you believe will be good things – perhaps you are seeking to bring in
trout or salmon, something you can “eat” (receive in your heart) that will fill
you up. But as you try to bring in the
good fish, you also collect up seaweed, jellyfish, and maybe even a shark, eel,
or stingray. Suddenly, the unexpected “catch”
begins to fill you with nastiness, to sting you, or even to consume you. This is a picture of outside-in living. Whatever is in the world comes in with your
net when you bring the external world into your heart.
Contrast this with inside-out living. This type of life begins with a focus on the
presence of Jesus in our hearts. Through
His presence, we can know His love for us, and we can know who He says we are. These truths create our solid ground on which
we stand. From those truths then can
flow the love of Christ from our hearts out into the world. As a result, the opinions of others carry no
weight – only the truth of Christ informs our choices. The actions of others have no power over us
because those actions or beliefs cannot change who we are in Christ. Circumstances also carry no power to change
who we are, or to undermine the truth Jesus has brought to our hearts. Circumstances become no more than a setting
in which to have our relationship with Jesus.
All power beyond the strength and power of the love of Christ is no
more. Others are no longer able to
determine how you feel (about yourself or in general). No one is able to
dictate your choices. Inside-out living
is living in true freedom.
In this scenario, Jesus fills your heart. He is the One Who feeds you, completes you,
and makes you whole. As He stated, He is
the bread of life: “Whoever comes to
me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Then out of your heart flows His love, and
you become a “fisher of people” instead of a taker from people.
