But what comes out of a person, that is what defiles.
Jesus (Mark 7: 20)
We are constantly being tested. Day after day. Minute after minute. Sometimes it’s a test from God. Often, it’s a distraction from the evil one.
The question is – how do we respond? Because it’s not what attacks us from the outside that defiles us, but how we respond. It’s how we react. It’s what we say, and it’s what we do.
And the test may not even appear to be a negative, but something positive. Something seemingly wholesome and good. How do we respond to the test? Do we respond with anger, jealousy, impatience? Do we respond with greed and lust and a desire for more?
Because it is not that which comes from outside that defiles us, but the thoughts and desires and feelings deep within our heart. That original sin that has stained us. Do we unleash it, unchained and untamed with reckless abandon? Or do we discipline it, and snuff out the flames before it even gets started?
This world is full of so much anger, fear, and hate.
Anger. Anger over the things that go against what we believe, that don’t fit with our line of thinking, that hurt the ones we love.
Fear. Fear over what is different, what is not understood, or what is misunderstood.
And hate. Hate over the things that anger us and those things that we fear.
God uses certain situations to strengthen us and build us up in a positive way.
But the evil one uses his distractions to make us feel good and comfortable, things that we lust for and covet those things that we feel will calm the anger and fear. But it is all a ploy to tear us apart from God, to bring the worst out of us, that which defiles us.
Perhaps these tests are one in the same. Perhaps they are a test from God where He lets the evil come close to us, and it is up to us how we respond. Or perhaps it is an attack from the devil, but God chooses to use it and bring the opportunity for good? But again, it is how we respond?
Do we choose the right way, the virtuous way, the way of Truth and Love – and respond with that Truth and Love?
Or do we take the low road, the easy road, and the hurtful road, the road of pain – and respond with that pain?
It’s a question – and a decision – as old as time. And yet it is so simple. Just as with the tests we’re encountered with, where we’re tempted to respond with the evil that has stained our souls, through Christ we can respond with His Love, the Love that created us and fills our interior being.
The age-old question is – how do you respond?
