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“It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.”

Matthew 15:11, LSB

So often, we focus on the external while ignoring the internal. God is less worried about what appears right in the eyes of another than He is about what is going on in the heart of a person. At the time of Jesus, religious leaders were more concerned with washing hands before eating than with what was going on with the people. How often do we judge people by outward appearances? The way they dress or look, whether they have piercings, tattoos, dreadlocks, etc. This does not speak to what God may be working in their hearts, and we are called to guide all people into the faith of Jesus Christ. There are many people who appear to be upstanding citizens, and they do all the right things, but their hearts are far from God. As people of Christ, our calling is to proclaim the promises of the kingdom, not focusing on the appearances of those who are coming in, but seeking to draw all people in so they may know the peace that comes from Christ and Christ alone.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.