The Heart of Man

The Heart of Man

By Apostle Felix

17  Is it hard to understand that whatever you eat enters the stomach only to pass out into the sewer?
18  But what comes out of your mouth reveals the core of your heart. Words can pollute, not food.
19  You will find living within an impure heart evil ideas, murderous thoughts, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lies, and slander. 

Matthew 15: 17 – 19

Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees over the disciples’ eating food with unwashed hands. According to the traditions of the elders, everyone was required to wash his hands before eating the meals. These were ceremonial washings which were handed down by the elders and was not scripture at all. The Scribes and Pharisees were offended, not because the disciples were unhygienic but because they did not observe a rigid, and dogmatic ritual. The Scribes and Pharisees judged others by the traditions of men. In most cases, they declared people unclean based on what the elders had laid down, and not God.

3  Jesus answered, “And why do you ignore the commandment of God because of your traditions? 

Matthew 15: 3

Jesus stood against the Scribes’ and Pharisees’ stance and denounced their externalism. They were more concerned about keeping the traditions of men than observing the law of love. Religion is more concerned about the outward performance than the inner transformation. The Lord is interested in the inner transformation. He encouraged Samuel not to consider the outward appearance of the individual but the character of the person.

7  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 

1 Samuel 16: 7

David was not anointed according to the traditions of men, but according to the guidance of the Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh and does not last. But which is born of the Spirit lasts. David’s throne has been established forever, because he was a man after God’s own heart. Saul’s throne did not last because he was a man that relied on the strength of man.

24  And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

1 Samuel 15: 24

The Scribes and Pharisees honored the traditions of men than the commandments of God. They would rather break the law of God in their quest to honor the traditions of men. The law commands that parents should be honored. However, the religious people honored their commitment to the traditions of men on the expense of honoring parents. The law commands to honor parents. And how can parents be honored? We honor parents with what we give to them. But the traditions of elders  had burdened people to give more to religious institutions and nothing was left for the parents.

3  Jesus answered, “And why do you ignore the commandment of God because of your traditions? 
4  For didn’t God say, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Whoever abuses or insults his father or mother must be put to death?’ 
5  “But you teach that it’s permissible to say to your parents when they are in financial need, ‘Whatever gift you would have received from me I can keep for myself, since I dedicated it as an offering to God.’ 
6  This doesn’t honor your father or mother. And you have elevated your tradition above the words of God. 

Matthew 15: 3 – 6

That sounds familiar. In some churches, giving has become a burden to the people instead of been a joy. They are families that have been deprived of food and shelter because the money that is meant for the family has been given to the church. Children are neglected in the name of giving. Many are manipulated into giving by using traditions of men which are not Bible based. Does it mean that people should stop giving? No, people should give. But the giving should be motivated by the love of God, appreciating what the Lord has done in one;-‘s life. It should not be as the result of manipulation. Remember to honor your parents. Remember to take care of your family. Give your tithe and offering, not legalistically. Save some money for the rainy season.

Jesus also warned about what defiles a man. What comes from the mouth has the potential to defile. It is not necessarily what goes into the mouth, but what comes out. The religious people were more concerned about what one eat and did. But they did not care much about the state of one’s heart. This is apparent in our society today, especially the church. People don’t really care much about the character of their leader as long as he has proofs. The focus is more on the outward results than the condition of the heart. Church members can even witness the misdeeds of their man of God but yet they continue following and protecting him. It is a generation that is living by the traditions of men. The outward appearance is more important than the condition of the heart.