(The following is the February 19 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Mark 7 and pay close attention to verses 14-23.)
Jesus emphasized the importance of people’s spiritual heart condition. On one occasion, Jesus encountered scribes and Pharisees who were upset that his disciples did not observe traditions related to ceremonial washing before eating. The leaders believed that disregarding their rule defiled a person. Jesus explained: “nothing going into a person can defile him” (v. 18). Mark notes, “thus he declared all foods clean” (v. 19).
While not the main point of the parable, Christians should acknowledge that we have complete freedom regarding the foods we eat because of Jesus’ statement. Of course, some foods are healthier than others, so we generally ought to do what is most beneficial in the long term for our bodies to serve our Lord as long as possible.
Jesus’ primary point was, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of people’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, self-indulgence, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a person” (vv. 20-23). Is Jesus concerned with our behavior? Yes, because it reveals the condition of our hearts. Therefore, we need a life-changing relationship with Christ, where he transforms us from the inside out.
A few questions may help us evaluate whether this transformation has occurred. Do we seek God’s wisdom through time in his Word, applying it to everyday life? Is the Holy Spirit indwelling us and conforming us into the likeness of Christ in our thoughts, attitudes, words, and deeds? Do we keep asking God to make us more like him?
Inner Christlikeness should be our focus – not minor concerns like the religious leaders Jesus condemned. The leaders majored in minor matters. Jesus focused on what had eternal consequences – the condition of our hearts.
Next Step:
What is your heart condition? Pray and reflect on matters of your heart that displease Christ or conflict with his Word. Surrender to him and ask him to make your heart more like his.
