Devotion for Thursday, January 15, 2026

“The Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?”  (Mark 7:5)

It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles, but what comes out.  Yes, cleanliness is good hygiene, but the Lord has created us such that a little contamination helps our immune system.  Of course, in the past it was the opposite where lack of hygiene spread disease.  Sinful humanity tends towards fanaticism.  The Lord brings freedom and teaches us prudence and temperance.

Lord God, You have set all things in their course.  What You give us what is good and often this leads to our sinfully wanting excess.  Help me to live in the way You know I need to live, neither being fanatical, nor neglectful of the things needing to be done.  Help me to learn from You the balance I need in order that I may be guided always by Your goodness and mercy.

Holy Spirit, You know where my mind goes and the way I think of things.  Teach me to neither be defiant nor insistent as You lead me in living the life which Christ has called me to live.  Through Your guidance I can learn to respect You and others and not arrogantly insist that things be done the way I want them done.  By grace, You are more than able to lead me in the way of righteousness.  Amen.