WE ARE WHO WE ARE ON THE INSIDE By Dr JEREMIE TCHINDEBE

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16 :7, NIV)

In an age dominated by appearances, branding, and social media personas, society tends to overemphasize what can be seen, admired, and consumed. Success is often measured by visibility—followers, possessions, and external achievements. Yet beneath this glittering surface lies a fundamental truth: our true identity is rooted in our inner life, not in what we display to the world.

The Inner Life : Foundation of Authentic Existence

The popular saying, “Clothes do not make the man,” echoes a deeper philosophical reality—that appearance can be deceiving. What defines a person is not their clothing or image, but the state of their heart, their thoughts, and their character. Christian theology has long emphasized the primacy of the heart. As the Bible reminds us :

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16 :7, NIV)

This inner focus aligns with the teachings of moral philosophers such as Immanuel Kant, who argued that the moral worth of a person is determined not by the consequences of their actions, but by their intentions (see: Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals).

In the psychological sciences, this inner orientation is reflected in the concept of intrinsic motivation, where actions rooted in internal values are found to yield higher well-being than those based on external rewards (Ryan & Deci, 2000, Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being).

From the Inside Out : The Heart as the Origin of Actions

What we carry inside inevitably shapes what we express outside. Thoughts become words, beliefs become habits, and inner turmoil manifests in relational dysfunction. The Apostle Paul encouraged early Christians to focus their minds on noble things:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right… think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV)

Modern neuroscience confirms that our thought patterns shape neural pathways—what we consistently meditate on influences our behavior (see: Siegel, D.J. (2012). The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are). Jesus Himself declared:

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12 :34, ESV)

Our interior life, therefore, is not a hidden realm without consequence. Rather, it is the control center from which all visible action proceeds.

Inner Wealth Over External Riches

Today’s culture celebrates material success and visibility, but true fulfillment comes from the cultivation of virtues like humility, compassion, and spiritual depth. Jesus taught:

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6 :21, NIV)

If our treasure is in fleeting things, our inner life becomes restless and shallow. But if it is rooted in eternal values, our soul finds peace. The story of King Solomon illustrates this: he asked God not for wealth or power, but for wisdom—and was granted both (1 Kings 3:5-14).

Contemporary leadership studies support this biblical principle. Jim Collins, in Good to Great (2001), emphasizes that the most effective leaders are those driven not by ego or appearance, but by deep character and humility.

Living in Alignment: Becoming an Authentic Person

Authenticity arises when our values, emotions, and actions are congruent. This alignment requires a conscious inner life and a commitment to continual transformation. The Apostle Paul wrote:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12 :2, NIV)

This inner renewal begins with humility—a willingness to acknowledge our brokenness before God. King David's heartfelt prayer in Psalm 51 remains a model :

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51 :10, NIV)

Self-reflection, confession, and spiritual disciplines foster a life where the inner world is not neglected but prioritized.

Challenges to Inner Growth

Pursuing inner maturity in a noisy world is not without obstacles. Social pressure, consumerism, and digital distractions can drown the voice of the soul. One of the greatest hindrances is pride—a preoccupation with image. Jesus warned against this superficiality:

“Woe to you… you are like whitewashed tombs… outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones.” (Matthew 23 :27, ESV)

To resist these cultural pressures, we must anchor our identity in God's truth. Regular prayer, biblical meditation, and accountability within community are crucial spiritual practices that keep us grounded (Whitney, D. (2014). Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life).

Cultivating a Christ-Centered Inner Life

Spiritual transformation begins with union with Christ. As Jesus taught:

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15 :7, NIV)

This connection fuels inner growth. We are also urged to guard our minds. Paul instructs us to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10 :5, ESV) —a reminder that mental discipline is spiritual warfare.

Gratitude and contentment, too, shape the soul. Psychologists have found that daily gratitude practices increase resilience and well-being (Emmons & McCullough, 2003, Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life).

Impacting the World Through Inner Transformation

A well-formed inner life inevitably radiates outward. Jesus’ influence on history was not due to wealth or status, but the moral and spiritual power of His life. In the same way, our presence can be a beacon of light when grounded in truth and love.

This echoes the sentiment of character ethics, emphasized by thinkers like Stephen Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 1989), who stressed that sustainable influence comes not from image management but from integrity.

Conclusion : Living from the Inside Out

Our essence is not defined by our appearance or possessions, but by the depth of our soul and the sincerity of our walk with God. Let us, therefore, nurture hearts filled with kindness, integrity, and peace.

Each day, we must ask: Am I living in alignment with God’s calling for my life? When our internal world reflects divine virtues, our external lives become radiant testimonies. We may not control others’ perceptions or external events, but with God’s help, we can cultivate inner strength rooted in His will.

Make this your daily priority.