The outer impression of John the Baptist was not what drew crowds of people to him. It was his divinely gifted spiritual and emotional appeal that eclipsed his dress, eating habits and physical appearance. By separating himself from the culture and doing what God called him to do, he could speak with the zeal and clear language needed for the people to understand and respond to his urging to “make straight the way of the Lord.”

He honored and stressed his position as the forerunner and servant of Christ without being “Christlike.” Though he was vehement and persistent, his self-deprecating attitude of humility, sincerity and modesty was what thawed the hearts of his listeners.

He also didn’t show any curb appeal to impress the secular minded priests and Pharisees who believed that they were above having to repent their sins and be forgiven. Though they tried to quell his exuberance with their challenging questions, they were unsuccessful.

And many of us, as defenders of our Christian faith, have also had our authority and credibility challenged by the critics and cynics of our time. But when we can emulate the humble and sincere qualities of John the Baptist, we’ll encourage more people to “make straight the way of the Lord.” By clearing out the clutter, mistakes and sin in our lives that block our paths to God, we can become better role models for others.

And we don’t have to dress the part to achieve it. It’s what’s inside of us that attracts. Whether we’re in business casual or T-shirts and flip-flops, the Holy Spirit will raise the curb appeal of our Temple.

Reflections on the Gospel of John 1:6-8, 19-28