Internal decisions. Internal motivations.
External waves and storms. External assaults.
So much of the life God wants us to build as believers, as His children, starts internally. And is fortified internally. Then it pours out. Then it overflows. The good. And the bad.
Because our sin starts internally, too. It isn’t precipitated by the temptations outside of us or the fault of other’s decisions.
Nothing outside of a person can enter and contaminate a person in God’s sight; rather, the things that come out of a person contaminate a person. (Mark 7:15)
Likewise, if someone has sinned against you, it does not alter you in His sight.
So how do we reach the point where our overflow is rich in faith and goodness, not tainted with bitterness or fear? Keep pressing into His word; keep applying it over your heart and your life. To be honest, I’ve never been good at memorizing scripture. But Holy Spirit has melded the truths on my heart, ingrained the messages in my mind. When I reach out, He is there.
Psalm 15 gives us a clear list of do’s and virtues. Be someone who honors those who honor the Lord; someone who keeps their promise even when it hurts.
In Deuteronomy 4 there is a striking statement about keeping the commands faithfully so that other nations will see the wisdom and insight, and it reminds us to teach all these things to our children and grandchildren. On our journey to have our faith be a sweet fragrant offering….we keep His commands, teach the generations that follow us. We take what we learn in passages like the psalm and let it overflow to those around us in our lifestyle.
We build our internal world to honor Him, to glorify Him, and let it seep outward. We put on the armor of God – all internal pieces, by the way – and prepare ourselves against the externals. And after you have done everything possible, still stand. Still rooted in Him. Still bound by His truth.
Still pouring an overflow of righteousness.
Father God, anoint our hearts and minds this week. We humbly ask your forgiveness for the hurtful ways we have poured out in the past. Holy Spirit remind our hearts of truth this week, bringing holy scripture to mind when we reach out toward Him. Teach us how to build up our internal world so that it brings Him joy and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The readings appointed for Sunday August 29:
Psalm 15; Deuteronomy 4:1-9; Ephesians 6:10-20; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23.
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