To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.
In the winter, it is astonishing how quickly diseases spread. The flu, stomach bug, and the common cold circulate from home to home and spread in ways we can’t see with our eyes. But as these germs spread, the fallout is unmistakable. People who are unbelieving, empty talkers, or hypocrites may feel like they can keep up appearances and outward routines, but the insincerity of their hearts, like germs, will spread and affect everything they touch. It spreads from the advice they give to others, through the way they handle conflict, and so much more.
Hypocrisy may not be visible at the surface level, but it has serious consequences. Our hearts are made not only to say we live for God but to actually abide in Him. In John 15:4-5 Jesus said, “Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” You were not made to live out your faith in your own power. You were not designed to put on a façade for God but to have your heart changed by Him. You were made to abide in Jesus the Vine, to be made pure by His blood, and live changed by His Spirit at work in you. This is the only way to live as He desires; it’s the only way that is best for us.
- How have you witnessed the impact of trying to live for Jesus in your own strength?
- To what level is remaining in Jesus a priority for you right now?
- Pray that the leadership of our church would remain in Christ through all things.
