“What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness , envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” (Mark 7:20b-23)

In Mark 7:22 Jesus included lewdness in his list of deadly, defiling sins. The Greek root for this word indicates a condition of one’s soul that rebels against all discipline and self-restraint, that dares to shock others without shame, and that indulges in rude and promiscuous behavior. Lewdness is the height of unbridled sensuality, a self-oriented condition depicting one’s rotten core. In contrast, self-mastery produces the fruit of righteousness, beginning in the heart and mind through alignment with truth. It is not simply an act of sheer will and discipline. Self-rule materializes as we submit to our Audience of One. Every thought, word, and deed must be brought captive in a leader’s life. Self-leadership precedes public success. Champion athletes who restrict their diet and consistently exercise position themselves for victory. Our credibility as serving leaders is born in our private practices and personal triumphs.

KEY QUESTIONS: In what areas of my life do I struggle with discipline and self-restraint? In what areas have I submitted to my Audience of One and produced the fruit of righteousness? What practical actions can I take today to position myself for victory and greater credibility?