Mark 7:14-23 Where Righteousness Is Found

After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. [If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”] When he had left the crowd and entered the house, His disciples questioned Him about the parable. And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, ^because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, who is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, and adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”

You and I spend too much time concerned with the appearances of things that mean nothing to God. We desire to be righteous in our own eyes. Righteousness to God has nothing to do with the way we appear, the things we do, or the company we keep. Righteousness to God has to do with our identification with Jesus Christ. Because Jesus is perfect, like His Father is perfect, those who are found “in Christ,” will be blameless to the Father.

Daily Prayer: Father forgive us, because at times we know not what we do. Instead, bestow upon us Your love and Your wisdom. Have us joyfully chose Christ in all things, so that in Him, You can say that we please You. In Jesus name I pray Amen.