Beyond The Symptoms
Today I reflect on the passage in Matthew 15 verse 2 wherein the Pharisees and scribes approach Jesus asking him “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.”
According to Jewish tradition, it was customary to wash your hands when you eat. Failure to do so effectively earned you a label of “unclean”, which in this context goes a level beyond the mere physical state of uncleanliness. The accusation by the Pharisees and scribes was technically accurate based on their tradition. However, as we see time and time again in the New Testament, when it comes to matters of sin, there is always more to unpack than meets the eye.
As a maturing Christian, it is not uncommon to find yourself in situations where you are faced with technicalities such as discerning whether something you are doing is considered sinful or not. For instance, one might find themselves debating with an elder about whether an article of clothing they are wearing is inappropriate, or whether a song they are listening to is considered ungodly. As young people, it is often tempting to engage in such debates at face value, fervently defending and justifying our actions.
However, upon reading further in the aforementioned passage, we get insight into the mind of God, and it might give us clues as to how God perceives sin.
In verse 11, Jesus says to his disciples, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” … 17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”
Often times, we can get caught up dealing with issues of sin at the surface, sometimes belaboring issues that border on meaningless. We focus on the visible portions of sin protruding at the surface, only to completely ignore the massive iceberg hidden underneath. That iceberg is our heart. Jesus could have made a logical argument for why the act of eating with unwashed hands was not sinful, however he took it a step further and addressed the issue at its core. Our actions are merely manifestations of what is within our heart. Proverbs 4:23 says “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Brothers and sisters, in our walk with Christ we will invariably face situations that will test our character. Whether an accusation from a co-worker, or a judgmental comment on the internet – whatever it is, Jesus has faced it before. However, remember this: while man is concerned with your actions, God is concerned with your heart. Your actions are the symptoms – your heart is the root cause.
As we navigate through this season of a global health crisis, many are addressing the symptoms of their ailments by way of supplements, medication and other forms of treatment. However, how many are going a step further and addressing the root cause?
There is but one cure for the ailment affecting the hearts of mankind far and near – and that cure is Jesus Christ, who’s blood is able to purify and regenerate our hearts once for all time. Seek out a personal relationship with Him, and all the symptoms of sin will fade away.
Looking for a group of God-fearing individuals with whom to embark on this journey? Consider joining Blaze today.
