PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 15

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts — murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person.” (Matthew 15:19-20)
Does performing religious rituals and disciplines have any value?
As symbols and reminders they can be helpful.
Kneeling creates a mindset of humility and dependance.
Folding hands and closing eyes focus the mind away from distractions.
Symbolic hand washing reminds a person of the many things that stain the soul.
Fasting, silence, singing, charitable giving, church attendance, etc.
When these become rules and requirements, they become distractions.
The focus shifts to the symbols themselves, and their point is forgotten.
Sin is not the failure to perform religious practices.
Sin is unloving, hurtful, selfish and cruel attitudes and behaviours.
These come from a selfish, self-loving heart – the root of our problem.
By all means, use symbols and reminders to help you focus on your heart.
But stay focused on what matters to God: justice, mercy, faithfulness (Matthew 23:23).
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you show us what matters most. Not religion but hearts devoted to love, justice, mercy and faithfulness. Ignite my heart for the thing that matter most!