October 23 What are Your Standards? Mark 7:20-22
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.” (Mark 7:20-22)
Recently, I observed a young man engaging in a bizarre encounter with another young man, and the conversation was quite interesting. “How dare you judge me!” It appeared to me that this one individual perceived that person number two had made a grunt or some disparaging gesture towards him and he was immediately offended! Person number two responded, “I didn’t say or do anything, but since you bring it up, what are you thinking to dress and act this way towards me?” (The #2 individual was wearing a MAGA hat) … They exchanged unpleasantries and parted company, each feeling violated, and each thinking that the other was wrong. Please be aware! Every behavior and every thought and every position is not appropriate or acceptable, unless you do not have any standards of morality or zero standards of acceptable behaviors while engaging others. A small point, yet a huge truth… When individuals are participating in what would be considered in opposition to a moral code, and are flaunting their opposition to any code of morality or conduct that would shine a light on their unacceptable behaviors, and they expect you and I to conform and to accept their vision of acceptable behaviors, they will be very disappointed and will automatically be “offended!” I walked away from this observed encounter with the question, “What were they thinking?” Obviously, the one individual did not have a relationship with Jesus and was embracing the “if it feels good do it” morality and standard of behavior. I was struck by the immediate “offense” demonstrated by the first individual. His “in your face” attitude, and his expectation that his actions and behaviors were acceptable, regardless of any rules or standards! “And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.” Hang on, evil is afoot and continues to expand. Reality for those who would live the “Standardless” life will be the most judgmental, the most intolerant and the most difficult to engage in civil discourse! What are they thinking? Again, “And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.” Romans 12:2, provides some relief and guidance. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” As “born-again” believers, we are to live, talk, think and act the way that Jesus established and we are to protect our minds and to follow His standards of behavior! BOTTOM LINE: Regardless of what your neighbor does, you must not be conformed to this world but be transformed by God’s Amazing Grace! Protect your thoughts! Feed your mind with the “Good, Decent, Honorable and Just things,” and follow God’s commands and live so that others will see Jesus in you! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!