This is our B moment. Our moment to be still…to be fed by the Word of God…to be grateful.
Scripture reference: Mark 7:15 (NLT)
Today, I am in celebration mode as we’re days away from ringing in the new year.
When I feel this way, I’m in the mood to get out and to visit family and friends. I will even make my way to a few holiday parties. At those parties will be great people, food, and because we’re ringing in the new year, likely a little champagne.
Yet as soon as these thoughts and images of a good time enter my mind, I fear overdoing it. I worry about defiling my body by eating too many unhealthy things. Then I recall what Jesus taught the Pharisees in Mark 7.
When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to dinner, they noticed that he did not partake in the customary hand washing ceremony. They were both surprised and appalled at Jesus’ actions at first. However, Jesus explained to them that we are not defiled by what we eat, but rather by what we say and do.
After reading this, I felt liberated to some extent because it created such clarity about what really matters to God. Let us enjoy this weekend with family and friends and keep a clean heart as we enter 2018. As you do so, remember these words: “It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” Mark 7:15 (NLT)
Please share this reflection as others desire to be inspired.
So today, commit to ringing in 2018 with a clean heart.
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