In Matthew 15:11, Jesus says, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”
Think about that for a moment. Food is not what defiles us, but rather the matters of the heart—the words we speak and the actions we take.
Anger, bitterness, pride, and wrath can all hide in the depths of a person’s heart. Those things, left unchecked, can defile us.
Have you ever had a thought come to mind that you weren’t proud of? Perhaps it was a judgmental or critical thought, or maybe a remembrance of an unkind word you spoke to a loved one or friend.
When we continually rehearse bad thoughts, bad fruit begins to surface. Everything has consequences, whether good or bad.
Galatians 6:7–8 tells us:
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
What we spend our time meditating on eventually becomes evident in our lives. If we continually entertain angry thoughts, anger will eventually come out of us.
What does it mean to sow to the flesh? It means focusing on the desires of our flesh and the things of this world rather than seeking God and following the leading of His Spirit.
God created us as body, soul, and spirit. We have a mind to think, a will to make choices, and emotions that influence how we feel. Our thoughts, desires, and feelings can pull us toward the things of the flesh rather than the things of God. This is why we must be careful about what we allow to take root in our hearts and minds. What we feed will grow, and what grows within us will eventually become evident in our lives.
Just as a gardener tends and tills his garden regularly, we must also guard our hearts and examine their condition.
Take a moment to consider what you spend your time meditating on each day. What do you value? What takes priority in your life—self or God?
This message is not meant to condemn, but rather to bring to light those things we may need to change or examine more closely. God has given you a life with purpose, but sowing to the flesh will only lead to destruction.
Spend time in God’s Word. Meditate on His goodness and faithfulness, and make a conscious effort to think of others more than yourself.
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
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