A Pure Heart

Sally had so many questions in mind about what was right or not right for her to eat. Could some food be impure?

She had limited her types of food and then realized she was now too skinny. She was so unsure if she should eat seafood, eggs, cheese and other dairy products, although she enjoys them. She has a vegetarian friend who doesn’t eat meat at all. So, Sally felt guilty touching meat. Therefore, she hadn’t been eating seafood, meat or dairy for the last three years.

Perhaps you or someone you know has also wondered if it’s a sin before the eyes of God to eat meat, dairy, or seafood. Today’s verse, “Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure…” reminds us that it is our hearts that are most important. Other scriptures confirm that no food is impure in itself, so if we eat it with a pure heart, it’s pure.(See Matthew 15:11 and Romans 14:14.

For those who choose to eat meat, seafood and dairy products, it’s okay with God as he has given it as food. Alternatively, if someone believes that they should avoid a particular food, perhaps even just for a certain time, it’s between them and God. We are free to choose food from everything God has given us.

More importantly, though, we need to place a spiritual filter in front of the door of our hearts to protect it from impure thoughts. God himself, through Christ, has given us pure hearts. Whenever impure thoughts knock on the doors of our hearts, we can ask God to purify us through Christ.

Father God, grant me a pure heart and guide me so I can walk in your righteousness provided through Christ, in Jesus’ name. Amen

Throughout this day: Believe that God can protect you and give you a pure heart. And when you make mistakes, remember that He is well able to purify you through Christ as you turn to him in confession