Your Heart, Not Your Behavior

Jews used to believe that consuming or touching the unclean would defile them, but they paid little attention to what was inside of them. Jesus flips the script on them to say, “‘Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them’ . . . He went on: ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person’ ” (Mark 7:19, 20-23, NIV). People were used to pointing out evil around them, but they weren’t used to pointing to the source of that evil: their own hearts. We can point to the sexual immorality all around us and try to run, but we will find that we have no where to go. It’s everywhere. Why? Because it’s in our hearts. The sexual immorality we see around us is a result of our hardened, rebellious, broken hearts. While habits and behavioral changes can sometimes impact our hearts, it can be like taking Tylenol for a severe injury. You may be able to lessen the pain, but the injury still remains. Changing behavior and habits can lessen the temptation, but the lust still has a grip on your heart. So, how do we get a heart transformation? Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (NLT). We know that Christ gives us a new life—and this transformation begins in the heart. While this is a glorious truth, we still struggle with sin on a daily basis. Paul speaks to this specifically in Romans 8, he reminds us that we are no longer controlled by our sinful nature: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (8:12-13, NIV). Christ has given us a new heart; and while we may have an inclination to return to our old ways of living, we can trust in Christ to renew our transformed hearts in his grace each day. Reflection/Discussion Question: What does it actually look like to trust in Christ’s grace to transform your heart?

Throughout history we’ve seen people who identify as Christians rallying together around their common hate towards a specific group of people. We’ve seen Christians define “other” groups of people in order to create division. We’ve routinely seen an “us” versus “them” mentality with Christians versus non-Christians. Christians have identified more with what they don’t do, who they aren’t, what they disagree with, or what group they aren’t a part of. They’ve been known more for what they are against than what they are for. This isn’t all Christians, but historically, we can point to cases where this is clearly displayed.  It is in our fallen, sinful nature that causes us to default to this kind of behavior. Rather than identifying with Christ, who he is, and who he made us to be, our identity becomes more about the world around us. We may believe that rallying around common hate towards an opinion, ideology, people group, or belief would bring unity, but hate can never bring unity. Christ is the only one who can bring true unity. While the enemy would try everything in his power to divide us, Christ unites us under one identity in him. He gifted us this new identity through his death on the cross on behalf of our brokenness. Now, the only way to achieve the unity that he calls us to is to give that same kind of sacrificial love to others. The minute we look at other groups of people with disgust is the minute we have forgotten how Christ could have done the same with us. We cannot comprehend the measure in which we have been forgiven. When we do start to comprehend, we will love sacrificially and welcome all kinds of people into unity under Christ. Reflection/Discussion Question: What groups of people or beliefs do you tend to take on an “us” versus “them” mentality?

I had to humble myself to ask for forgiveness from family for my attitude towards controversial issues.

Couple days ago I shared a burden regarding a root of bitterness hardening my heart toward my husband. I humbled myself and admitted I needed prayer to overcome it. I wasn’t even wanting to pray for him anymore I was so hurt. Last night while studying & praying the Lord showed me II Corinthians 5:18-20. As believers we are ambassadors of the ministry of reconciliation. This morning my husband was leaving for work and felt lightheaded. He has high blood pressure, heart issues & *not saved*. I told him to sit down and I’d pray. I felt led to apologize to him for my part in our marriage issues. Then I started praying and let it pour out of my spirit. Praying for his healing, comfort and SALVATION. He began to weep and I knew he felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. I continued praying silently, Holy Spirit help him, I heard him cry out for help, forgiveness and our marriage. My husband *gave his life to Jesus this morning*! Please pray for him. Forgiveness is powerful! Don’t let the enemy discourage you! Pray without ceasing.