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In our journey through life, we often carry burdens that weigh us down - some visible, others hidden deep within our hearts. What we carry inside ultimately determines what flows out of us and shapes our relationships, decisions, and spiritual walk.

What Defiles a Man According to Jesus?

Jesus addressed this profound truth in Mark 7:15-23 when He taught that it's not what enters a person from the outside that defiles them, but what comes from within:

"There's nothing that enters a man from the outside which can defile him. But the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man."

Jesus went on to explain that from within, out of the heart, proceed:

Evil thoughts

Adulteries and fornications

Murders and thefts

Covetousness and wickedness

Deceit and lewdness

Envy, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness

 

These things come from within and defile a person. This teaching reveals a fundamental truth: our external behaviors are merely symptoms of what's happening in our hearts.

How Can We Have Clean Hands and a Pure Heart?

Psalm 24:3-4 asks, "Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?" The answer: "Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies."

But how do we achieve this purity? It's not through rule-keeping or religious traditions. The only path to clean hands, a pure heart, and a clear conscience is through:

Salvation through Jesus Christ

Walking in the Spirit

 

Romans 3:22-24 reminds us: "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned, we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight."

What Does Walking in the Spirit Look Like?

Galatians 5:16-17 instructs us to "walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; these are contrary to one another."

When we walk in the Spirit, our lives produce fruit that's completely different from the works of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit includes:

Love: Self-sacrificial service to God and others

Joy: Delight in knowing God personally

Peace: Freedom from anxiety and worry

Patience: Endurance without losing temper

Kindness: Considering others' needs before our own

Goodness: Growing in holiness as God is holy

Faithfulness: Enduring trials without forsaking God

Gentleness: A heart posture that attracts rather than repels

Self-control: Not being controlled by sinful impulses

 

This is a daily journey requiring consistent surrender to God, not just effort. Only as we walk with Jesus is this transformation possible.

What Traditions and Burdens Are You Carrying?

Like King David, who stayed behind when kings normally went to war (2 Samuel 11), we often carry things we shouldn't. David's decision to stay behind led to his sin with Bathsheba and ultimately the death of Uriah. One wrong choice affected him for the rest of his life.

Jesus offers a better way: "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I'll give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you'll find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

How Does This Apply to Men and Fathers?

As men, particularly fathers, we have a special responsibility to lead spiritually. Statistics show that when fathers lead their families to church, 90% of the family comes, compared to only 30-35% when mothers lead.

To be effective spiritual leaders, men must:

Recognize their need for salvation

Walk in the Spirit daily

Serve sacrificially without expectation of return

Guard their hearts and what they look at

Let go of burdens they shouldn't carry

Embrace their identity as sons of God rather than just servants

 

Life Application

This week, take time to examine what you're carrying around that you shouldn't be. Ask yourself:

Am I saved? Have I truly surrendered my life to Christ as both Savior and Lord?

What fruit is coming out of me when people "bump into me"? Is it the fruit of the Spirit or the works of the flesh?

What traditions, burdens, or past experiences am I holding onto that are hindering my spiritual growth?

How can I serve others sacrificially this week without expectation of return?

In what areas do I need to surrender control and allow God's Spirit to lead me?

 

Remember, you don't have to carry these burdens alone. Jesus offers to take them and give you rest. When you walk in the Spirit, you'll experience clean hands, a pure heart, and a clear conscience - the abundant life God intends for you.