Mark 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Look at the list of ALL THESE EVIL THINGS… evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
Wow!  These are some terribly serious offenses!  The Jews were so strict on what they allowed in their diet.  Jesus was teaching them it’s not what we’re putting into our mouth that defiles but rather that which proceedeth from the heart that defiles the man!
There is a clear way to avoid this list of pitfalls … Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
Loving God and your fellow man is of the utmost importance.   Notice the phrase… WITH ALL THY HEART.
There is so much in the world that is designed to steal our heart and our joy.  There was a song years ago entitled… “Whats Love Got to Do With it?”  When it comes to the Christian in this sinful world, my answer to that question would be… EVERYTHING!  Notice what Paul said…1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  In Jesus’s day, there were a lot of tinkling cymbals!  They looked great on the outside,  but the inside was full of dead men’s bones!  How’s your heart?  Is it having a positive effect on your speech? Your behavior?  Love the Lord,
Love your neighbor… it’s not rocket science!  Amen.  Pastor