The sins from within

Bible Reading - Mark 7:1-23

What would you do if you see dirty water flowing out of your tap? Most of us would call the plumber to find out the cause and solve the issue as soon as possible. Perhaps the inner lining of the tap is rusty, or the water pipe is covered in unwanted chemicals and bacteria. In any case, the water has become undrinkable and unusable because of a problem that happened on the inside.

Sin works like that too. It contaminates our hearts before it pollutes our thoughts, words and actions (Luke 6:45). If we do not deal with the sins in our lives, the infection of our hearts will worsen. Everything else that we think, do and say will be stained with sin.

Jesus taught that evil starts from the heart, which leads to wicked behaviours such as sexual immorality, greed, pride and hatred (v20-23).

Yet not all agreed with Him. The Jewish authorities insisted that as long as they fulfilled their man-made traditions, they would be considered ‘clean’ and good people (v1-4). Jesus rebuked them for relying on human rules and regulations to justify themselves. By doing so, they had separated themselves from God (v6-13).

Even Christians can fall into this trap of depending on human efforts to make ourselves right with God and appear good. We may rely on our attendance at services and Life Group sessions to demonstrate that we are growing in the faith. We may participate in meaningful causes to show others that we are living purposefully. We may even want to please our parents, friends and colleagues just to prove that we are loving people.

These outward actions are not wrong in themselves. But they do not take away our sins and make us right with God.

Only Jesus can free us from sin’s control and make us righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21). He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, making it possible for us to not just be sinless but holy. Today, with the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, we have the strength to reject sinful desires and embrace the righteous life that God has in store for us (Romans 8:9-14).

Now take some time to look deeper within your life. What are some thoughts, emotions, words and actions that come from sins in your heart? Go to Jesus for forgiveness. Pray and ask God to help you change from the inside out.

As you spend time on the couch with God, take a moment to pray and reflect on what you've read..