Superficial: Living Beneath the Surface

On the surface; a veneer — an outward appearance that does not match what lies within. Superficiality is often a form of deception, for what’s underneath isn’t the same: Jesus likened the religious leaders of His day to “whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean” (Mt 23:27). This article considers the danger of a shallow, skin-deep faith and God's call to a reality that reaches the heart — a heart He invites us to open to His searching, as David did: "Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there is any offensive way in me" (Ps 139:23-24).

The danger of shallowness

Many people who claim to be Christians only have a shallow relationship with Christ, for when things don’t go their way, or adverse situations arise, they react in an ungodly manner. The parable of the ‘soil types’ indicates some give up, as they have not put the effort into laying a good foundation that can withstand the onslaughts of life (Mt 13:5-6,20-21). They haven’t the depth of reality and character to sustain them through the rough patches.

Reality beneath the surface

“Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam 16:7). Purpose to be authentic and concentrate on laying a solid footing, based on the Bible’s directives. The salvation Christ offers is not just a quick external façade or makeover, rather a transformation starting at the core of our being, which radically affects every part of us (Lk 6:27-36). Allow the purifying power of the Holy Spirit to penetrate into the inner recesses of your life to bring cleansing deep within the heart – from where all we do originates – and we become believers of solid character (Prov 4:23).

Our concern for people must go deeper than just words, to practical action (Jas 2:14-18, 4:17). Pray for discernment to see below the surface to the real issues that influence people’s lives, so you can ‘kill the spiders, not just wipe away the recurring cobwebs’.

Is my Christianity real?

The religious leaders of Jesus' day were accomplished performers, putting on a spiritual show to impress the crowds — “everything they do is done for people to see” (Mt 23:5). Yet in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5–7) Jesus warned that we must never resort to this deception: “be careful not to practise your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them” (Mt 6:1). What wins heaven's approval matters far more than what wins the applause of an audience.

Many who profess to be Christians have only a superficial faith that does not interfere with their self-centred lifestyle. It is an unbiblical Christianity that requires no repentance, has few restrictions, and asks for no sacrifice. The challenge of Scripture to us all is, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves" (2 Cor 13:5). God wants to transform our hearts, not entertain our minds.

While it is commendable to witness and bring people to faith in Christ, His command to us is make disciples (fervent dedicated followers of Christ, who are allowing the Word of God to bring about increased Godlikeness), not just raw converts, which is just the first vital step along the pathway to heaven (Mt 28:19-20).

Is my commitment to the Lord superficial, by not being loyal and actively involved in His Kingdom, like the hired worker Jesus used in His illustration, who is primarily concerned about himself and runs at the first sign of danger, whereas the shepherd/owner does all he can to protect the vulnerable sheep (Jn 10:11-13)?

Reflection and Application

• Ask God to search your heart and expose any area where your outward life doesn’t match the inward reality.
• Identify one Bible directive you have admired but not obeyed – act on it this week.
• Replace any outward show with honest, heartfelt worship in your private devotion.
• Meet a practical need this week rather than offering words alone.

See also: character, deception, devotion, façade, foundation, hypocrite, root.