S) "18 But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile a man. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders."
Matthew 15:18-19 (NASB)
O) Jesus was responding to accusations from the Pharisees, who were accusing the disciples of not washing their hands for a meal. Jesus doesn't waste a lot of time debating their initial questions, though. He cuts to the heart of the issues: the heart of the people. Everything starts within us, from the heart. Our behavioral sins are just the external manifestation of an internal problem.
A) Recently, someone wanted to debate some hypothetical issues. It was making me uneasy, because I don't like to argue hypothetical issues. But, I love the person, so I was trying to be compassionate and play along a little. But I did, eventually, point out my problem. Those types of hypothetical issues are always agenda-driven. Whether or not the Bible condemns or condones a particular behavior, issue, or ideology, is seldom the reason a person rejects the gospel. I would much rather talk to someone about what's really going on in their life, in their heart. But, people have a hard time with that, because that requires vulnerability and honesty. That's where I need to spend my time in relationships. Less hypothetical, more reality. I need to spend less time debating theology with unbelievers, and more time relating my testimony. I need to stop talking about hand-washing, and start talking about heart-problems.
P) Father, I want to be more like Christ in this. I want to indulge agendas less, and seek Your will for conversations more. You have divine purpose in my encounters, and I don't want to waste opportunities. Help me be a good steward of the knowledge You've given me, the opportunities You've given me, and the relationships You've given me. Let Your will be done, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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