The Inward Truth

But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, false witness, slanders. Matthew 15:18,19 (New American Standard Bible)

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day not only wrapped themselves in cloaks of man made laws and traditions but sought to bind others as well. They lived 100% of their lives out of external performance. They went to great lengths to perfect the outside of their existence. That is on what they hinged their walk with God. Right actions, right words, right standards equaled righteousness and right standing with God….to them. But Jesus summed their lives up with the words of Isaiah when He said, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.”

They had a system for worship that depended on living up to their standards. A defiled person could not worship God, as far as they were concerned. And defilement came with something as small as not washing your hands before you ate. This was one of many beliefs they held to that said the outside of my life affects my internal world and thus affects my relationship with God. They had it backwards!

Jesus wanted them (and us) to know defilement comes from the heart. Every word we speak, every action we take, every sin we commit comes from our heart. Our heart is the very essence of who we are. It is the center of our being….our command post if you will. We are driven by our own lusts, desires, and depravity. The thoughts behind the actions Jesus listed speak volumes to me. Jesus put no difference between hateful hearts and murder, lustful thoughts and adulteries and fornication, covetousness and theft, evil thoughts and lies.

His point? If a person understands where the actions are coming from they will begin to understand where they need God’s transforming touch on their life. In myself, I can change my behavior but it will simply be like changing my clothes. True and lasting change comes through a changed heart and a changed heart is what God desires for me. How? Through the work of His Spirit in me and through the renewing of my mind. When? The moment I acknowledge my problem and turn to Him for the solution.

Father, I have lived as deceived as the Pharisees. It is only before You and through You that I can finally experience a changed heart. Amen.

The Power of Your Love - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PLAWhr1o1A

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.