The Doorpost: We are the problem, Christ is our hope
By Ray King · Apr 01, 2014
Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.
Mark 7:15
What are the most serious threats we face? Where do they come from?
By nature we are inclined to point to things that are outside of us. However, Jesus tells us that the most serious threats we face do not come from without, but from within. In verses 21-23 following the passage above, He says, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Our own hearts are what defile each of us. That is the most serious threat we face. No wonder that in Romans 7:24 the Apostle Paul cries out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Then he answers, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
We are our own worst problem, and God’s gift to us in His Son is our only hope. Thanks be to God!