What is Within?

Mark 7:14-23

Eat whatever you want. It is not the foods you put into your body that are the problem. Jesus is continuing to inflame the Pharisees with statements like these. Jesus is a little frustrated that they are so narrow minded and naive. What you eat has nothing to do with what comes out of your mouth. Thus Jesus declared all foods clean! Whoa! I am sure the Pharisees were jumping out of their skin by such scandalous comments.

But Jesus, as he often does, goes on to reveal more of what the words really mean.

"But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and defile."

That is a mouthful for such a couple sentences. There is something not stated but implied in this passage. Any sin we commit first begins in our heart and mind. 'Evil thoughts' come prior to any actions either good or evil. Our thoughts really do make a difference. We cannot feed our minds with poison and expect not to be effected. I am not saying we must become saints and only think heavenly thoughts. I am not saying to act as if we live in a perfect world.

I sometimes do not watch the news or certain television programs because they do not feed my thoughts with what I want to be thinking about. I am certainly not a prude and I like to watch television as much as anyone else. I think a steady diet of violence makes us insensitive to reality.

If we just look at how television treats marriage it is no wonder the divorce rate continues to soar. It is no wonder my own children question the permanence of a relationship for life.

We could look at each of the sins Jesus stated and they all begin inside. If we let the darkness thrive in our hearts we will surely perish. Jesus was really saying all the rituals of cleanliness will not be able to cover what is inside.

We cannot hide what is inside because eventually, when we least expect it it overflows into the outside world. What we have inside eventually becomes a blessing to others or a hindrance for them. We cannot have it both ways at the same time. Which do you want?

Queen Sheba brought riches and royal gifts to Solomon seeking to experience his words of wisdom. The queen asked questions to gain wisdom. The Pharisees asked questions attempting to trick Jesus at every opportunity. Jesus freely gave his words of wisdom to all who followed him. But some were unable to hear or see this Divine Wisdom.

We can ask for God's wisdom in all aspects of our lives. The question is, do we? I am as guilty as the next person. Asking for God's wisdom is not part of all aspects of my daily life. With awareness we can change. With awareness we can become more conscious of our thoughts.

I chose this original picture of sand running though the harrow neck of an hourglass because sometimes it's tough allowing only goodness to occupy our thoughts. This kaleidoscope image I captured illustrates to me how the good thoughts pass between, around, through, and under any 'evil thoughts' that may be present.

I invite you to feed on thoughts that lead you to a greater holiness

and deeper relationship with our Lord.

Seek the wisdom of the Lord and it will be granted unto you.

Be a blessing to someone today!