Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
In 2014 in Flint, Michigan, the contaminated water crisis became public knowledge. High levels of lead from aging pipes leached into the water, potentially affecting up to 100,000 people, including 12,000 children. Sadly, water contamination is a far broader issue than in one city. Much of our drinking water has become poisoned by nitrates, arsenic, bacteria, aluminum, fluoride, and other substances. The health concerns, of course, are the side effects of consuming tainted water, including diarrhea, cancer, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio.
Sin is the spiritual equivalent of tainted water. The sin we consume has disastrous side effects. Over time its steady consumption builds, corrupting our hearts and impacting our thoughts, speech, and actions–all we do.
As our bodies require pure water free of contaminants, we must hydrate our souls with taintless goodness; instead of drinking the tainted water of sin, we must consume the purity of righteousness. Replacing the intake of evil with godliness; worship, prayer, meditation, and study. So then, tenderness flows from our hearts instead of bitterness, kindness replaces cruelty, and mercy supersedes ruthlessness.
Father, we thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Through him, you give new hearts free from the condemnation of sin. You grant us the strength to reject evil and guide us onto righteous paths through the Holy Spirit. Renew and refresh our hearts today with your purity so that all that flows from us glorify you. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
