Matthew Chapter 15: Verses 10-11 (NLT)
Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “Listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”
2 Timothy Chapter 3: Verse 5 (NLT)
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
The Pharisees and teachers of the law had just tackled Jesus about the need for ceremonial washing before eating and conduct on the Sabbath. Jesus took the opportunity to remind the crowds that followed Him about being careful about going through the motions of following God. We can try and put on a face about how we conduct ourselves, but what are we really thinking? And do those thoughts get translated into words or behaviour that are not Christ-like?
Last week I was struck by a quote from Nicky Gumbel in the “Bible in One Year”. He said, “Its your heart that defines your actions, not the dictionary.” We need to be sure that we both say, and do, the things that reflect the characteristics of Jesus. It’s not one or the other. Otherwise, we too are simply going through the motions. Paul counselled his protégé Timothy to stay away from people like that!
Dear Lord,
Help me to make sure that the words I say and the things I do are in step with one another, and that both reflect the way that Christ would behave. I ask in His Name that my conduct and words would bring You glory. Amen.