Today we will continue with our “giving it up” series by discussing the idea of giving up negative influences and exposures.
Today’s verse is from Matthew 15:11 which says “it’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”
Jesus did a judo move on his critics here. They were criticizing him because His disciples didn’t wash their hands before eating which was against the Jewish law. Jesus responded by saying that it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles you; what defiles you is what comes out of your mouth (things we say). Jesus further explained that what comes out of our mouth starts in our heart.
So how does something get into our heart in the first place? It starts with inputs and exposures, primarily received through our eyes and ears. We have significant control over both but often choose to receive negative or unclean inputs because they entice us.
Maybe it is our favorite political site or other things we choose to look at on the internet that aren’t healthy. Or having cable news on all the time. Or allowing ourselves to associate with gossipy, negative people. Will any one of these negative inputs kill us or cause irreparable harm? Of course not but they all add up. And for every negative or unhealthy input we choose, we’ve passed up an opportunity to seek a positive input.
If we are running a race, every step counts; every step should be in the direction of the finish line. Similarly, in life, every input counts and each one either takes us closer to becoming the man God created us to be or farther away.
Questions:
- Have you ever said something that you regretted and thought “that’s not like me; that’s not who I am”? If so, where did those words come from?
- What are some examples of negative or unclean inputs or exposures many of us encounter on a regular basis?
- How do the inputs discussed in question #1 affect us and those around us?
- What are some proactive strategies to help us avoid negative inputs
- What are some examples of positive inputs & exposures that will help us move closer to becoming the man God created us to be?
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