I finally get what Paul meant by the statement, “Bodily exercise profits little”—Not that it has no value, but that it can’t touch what truly matters. What enters the body isn’t our problem when it relates to spiritual things; it’s all about what exits our hearts, through our mouths. Most people who are serious about fitness work hard to stay in shape. They know what carbs to cut out, how to do intermittent fasting, and what vitamins to take. There are gyms open 24/7 to build muscle and melt fat, but there’s no place we can go 24/7 to train our inner man? What supplements exist for integrity? Where’s the treadmill for self-control? The problem? There’s no gym of the soul—no 24/7 center where we train character, trim pride, or flex forgiveness; The result? Sculpted bodies and starved spirits.
“Are you still lacking in understanding, also? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled?”
~Matt 15:16-17
True defilement begins within
Back in Jesus’ time, the Pharisees were obsessed with ceremonial purity— washing hands before eating, avoiding unclean foods, maintaining a healthy spiritual image, and so on. But Jesus cuts through their traditional behaviors to reveal a more profound need. If we want to be spiritually healthy before God, our focus must shift from rituals to roots—monitoring what’s growing in our hearts. Even the disciples had to ask for clarity on this one. They missed the spiritual depth of Jesus’ words. He gave them a response they’d understand, yet the meaning remained spiritual. God isn’t scanning our surfaces, he’s searching our hearts.
God doesn’t clean what’s seen; He purifies the unseen. Paul writes in 1 Cor 2:14 “that the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him.” This principle isn’t about hygiene or diet… It’s about heart health. For defilement, we shouldn’t focus on our diet; instead, we should seek out a change in our disposition. God desires purity from the inside out. God’s priority is inside-out purity—not just managed behavior, but transformed motives. That means dealing with unforgiveness, gossip, lust, envy, and pride. And not by willpower—but by the Spirit. Rom. 8:5 Paul reminds us that if our mindset stays on the flesh, we forfeit peace and walk toward death. Only Spirit-led living brings life.
We live in a world “obsessed with wellness“—tragically unconcerned with the condition of the soul. Diet culture, fitness influencers, and mental wellness apps are all over the place. And while these things do have their place of value, they cannot sanctify the soul that so desperately craves equal attention. You can be emotionally intelligent and physically fit, yet still spiritually bankrupt, and this is a tragedy if you’re trying to attain what God is seeking. I believe this is why Jesus challenged these religious elites who prioritized outward appearances. Even today, it’s easy to post scriptures by day and curse in secret by night—public praise, private poison. Serving faithfully at the church while harboring hate, or singing worship with a heart full of offense. The Kingdom is about truth in the inner parts. Paul nailed it: Some will have the look of godliness—but no life-changing power. Why? Because real power changes the heart first.
The bottom line is Jesus’ words aren’t meant only to be corrective, they’re redemptive. He invites us to examine what’s really inside. If I’m being honest, my words sometimes reveal that my heart is still under construction. The answer won’t be found in modifying my behavior; rather, it lies in going deep enough to perform heart renovation. The good news? Jesus specializes in that. He just can’t work where I hide. I’ll need to cultivate my inner life with the same level of urgency I bring to my physical training at the gym. God isn’t impressed if I get the six-pack; He’s after my surrender. If I can track my macros, surely I can track my motives, monitor calories, and character.
Time of Reflection
** You can’t bleach the outside and ignore the mold within.
** Real defilement starts in the heart, not the stomach.
Heart-Probe:
**What have my recent words revealed about the condition of my heart?
References:
Matt: 15:16-17
Mark 7:18
Rom. 8:5
1 Cor 2:14
2 Tim 3:5
Jam 1:26
Heb 4:12-13
Col 2:8, 20-23
Is 29:13
Prov 4:23
Chronological Study bible by Thomas Nelson is the source of question order
Closing prayer:
Search my heart O Lord, Clean my inside world. I don’t want to have a beautiful physique if a horrible inside accompanies it. I want to be truly clean before You. Help me speak from a pure heart whenever I open my mouth, not a pretentious one. Train me in truth. Transform me by Your Spirit. Let the words of my mouth reflect a heart that’s truly Yours. Amen.
