At our recent Cowbell service, we had the privilege of hearing from Brother Jim Simmons. His message was a powerful reminder that while we often focus on how we look on the outside, God is looking directly at the heart. Taking his text from Matthew 15, Brother Jim explored the sobering reality of what it means to be truly “defiled.”
1. Beauty is Skin Deep, but Defilement is Heart Deep
We have all seen someone who looks elegant and “cleaned up”—the polished suit, the shined shoes, the perfect hair. But the moment they open their mouth, the illusion fades. When vulgarity, cursing, off-color jokes, or gossip come out, that person doesn’t look so “good” anymore.
Jesus taught us in Matthew 15:11: “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” As the old saying goes: “Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes to the bone.” What we say is simply a physical manifestation of what is already stored in our hearts and minds.
2. The Anatomy of a Defiled Tongue
According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, to defile means to make unclean, to taint, to corrupt, or to render impure with sin. Brother Jim pointed out several ways we defile ourselves through our speech:
- Swearing and Cursing: Using God’s name in vain or dirty language.
- Loud and Obnoxious Bragging: The “big me, little you” attitude.
- Constant Complaining: Griping even on a sunny day.
- Judgmentalism: Talking poorly about others without proof or cause.
- Dishonesty: Lying and bearing false witness.
The tongue is described in James 3:6 as a “fire” and a “world of iniquity.” It has the power to defile the whole body and set the course of nature on fire.
3. The Danger of Imitation
We must remember that our speech doesn’t just defile us; it teaches those around us to be unclean—especially our children. Children are natural imitators. They play dress-up in their parents’ shoes, and they “play dress-up” with their parents’ vocabulary.
If a child hears a parent disrespect a neighbor or use a four-letter word, they believe that is the right way to act. We must be careful about the “icons” we allow our children to follow. Unlike the heroes of the past, many of today’s stars and comedians use vulgarity as a tool. As parents and Christians, we are called to be the primary teachers of our children, showing them a better way.
4. How to Clean Up Your Act
If the heart is the source of the defilement, a physical bath won’t fix the problem. There is only one way to be “undefiled,” and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Repentance: Truly meaning it when you ask for forgiveness.
- Washing by the Blood: Only the blood of Christ can cleanse a soul of sin.
- A New Nature: When the Lord cleans you up, He removes the desire for the things that once defiled you—the liquor, the gambling, and the dirty language.
As Romans 10:10 says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
5. The Evidence of a Clean Heart
When God cleans your heart, it shows on your face and in your life. You start to treat others with respect—regardless of who they are. You find yourself complimenting others instead of tearing them down. You mind your own business and keep your tongue from gossip.
As Brother Jim’s wife noted, there’s a “twinkle in the eye” that comes when a man is right with the Lord.