Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. 15 Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” Mark 7:14-15 Traditions, customs, old covenant practices: all of these have their value, but none takes the place of following the example and living the life Jesus set before us. How can a believer actually be concerned that by eating a certain food can cause him to lose his salvation through Christ? The act of defiling comes about, truly, by what we say (or do, as our actions can certainly come out from us). A word spoken in anger, an act taken because of an evil filled heart...these are the non-Christ like words and deeds we are oh so capable of that bring us in direct conflict with Jesus, our Savior. Lord, let me find ways to keep my mouth closed when tempted to say something which will fail to bring You honor. When my acts are directed toward harm, and in so doing shall bring disgrace upon the very Christian lifestyle I seek to lead, turn me away, I pray. I shall fall short, and I shall fail. My words will be vitriolic and my actions abhorrent, yet the love of Jesus shall never abandon me. Oh, what a Savior! As wicked as I am, He is still perfect. As hateful as my speech, His words still bring calm, comfort and peace. Let me, oh my Lord, reflect daily You, not me, that all who look see glory and majesty, not humanity and defeat. Oh praise my Savior, sing His praise. Amen
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 12:32:09 +0000