What defiles us from the inside

Mark 7:20-23 (NLT)
20 And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”

Jesus earlier had made the statement “It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” The disciples were now trying to understand so they asked Jesus to explain. Jesus explained following rituals did not keep one pure. For sin emanates from the heart of man in many forms taking away that which is righteous.

The Lord Jesus Christ died for each and every sin listed in Mark 7:20-23 that we would have eternal life with Him in heaven. Speaking for God, Isaiah foretold the forgiveness of our sins, saying “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.” The price for freedom came with a dear cost. The cost was the death of His son Jesus. We must remember God does forgive our sins; yet we may face consequences for our actions here on earth. A person who murders another may serve time in prison, but if they ask the Lord Jesus Christ into their heart even though they face the consequence of a long prison term they are forgiven by God. Because of pride some may think because the consequences of some sins are so small they do not need the Lord’s forgiveness. Yet there is no one I know that have not fallen a victim to their own pride, greed, deceit, envy, and foolish desires. It is why we need the Lord Jesus so that we might be forgiven and learn to understand the wickedness of our heart. Without the Lord we follow our own desires; but with the Lord present in our lives we find ourselves wanting to do that which is right even when we want to do what is wrong. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.