“There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.” Matthew 7:15.

The word core can be defined as that which is central to the existence or character of someone or something: it is the traits and behaviors that come forth from the inward man that influence all that we hold to be true, impacting our love for God and our fellowman. “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.” Matthew 7:15.

In the account found in the book of Matthew chapter seven, Jesus strongly reprimanded the Jewish Pharisees and Scribes, calling them hypocrites for their opposition towards the disciples for not following the tradition of washing their hands passed down by the elders; yet they themselves disregarded the commandments of God. “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Matthew 7:5-6.

Their hearts or core was far from the love of God and following His commandments; yet they professed to be right and upstanding before God, while seeking their own righteousness…Jesus called them out and put it right on the line about where their hearts really were in reference to the things of God. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” Matthew 23:27.

Let us contemplate on these words of the Lord; “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.” Matthew 7:15. We must consider where our hearts are as we walk this journey of life- do we honor God and others, and are we saved from eternal damnation- or do we just look the part?

We have all inherited our sin nature from our first parents Adam and Evil, therefore the natural man has the propensity to follow after these things “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21. We often stop and wonder why so many evil things occur in the world, but the bible gives us evidence that the natural man gravitates towards such things.

But that is not where the story ends…JESUS paid it all with His precious blood on Calvary’s cross that we may receive life everlasting, possessing a brand-new heart forever. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17.

Contrary to the hearts of the Jewish Pharisees and Scribes; salvation is free, it comes from the washing of our hearts by the miraculously power of God, the Holy Ghost takes up resident in the heart of every born-again believer… changing our core being, making us a new creature in Christ Jesus. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” Titus 3:5.

Can you testify that you are a son of the living God? As born-again believers our core stands on a sure foundation and the holy fruit that springs from our hearts guides our Christian walk in these things “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Galatians 5:22-24. As God’s beloved children let us be led to live and walk in the Holy Spirit, lights in this dark world…evil has never and will never win, God wins, and we are victorious in Him.

But, if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, today is the day of salvation; if you are reading this…He is lovingly knocking on your heart to allow Him to change your core and give you everlasting life. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Let Him in!

God’s blessings, amazing grace and peace be with us all.