By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
As a former Muslim and now a devout Christian Conservative member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I find profound truth in Matthew 15:11:
"What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them."
This verse, and its expanded context in Matthew 15:17-20, was a revelation to me as I transitioned from a life defined by legalistic dietary restrictions and external rituals in Islam to one rooted in the grace and moral teachings of Jesus Christ.
Breaking Free from Ritualistic Bondage
Growing up under the legalistic constraints of Islam, dietary laws such as the prohibition of pork or the requirement to only eat halal meat were presented as measures of personal purity and righteousness. As a vegan for several years, I also adhered to strict rules about what I consumed, believing it made me morally superior. These external practices became markers of identity but, ultimately, they distracted me from addressing the true condition of my heart.
When I read Jesus’ words in Matthew 15:11, they struck like a lightning bolt: moral impurity does not come from what we eat but from the words and actions that flow from our hearts. His teaching was revolutionary, particularly when I reflected on my past life. I realized how easy it had been to judge others by external standards—dietary practices, political affiliations, or religious rituals—while ignoring the deeper, transformative work that Christ calls us to undertake within.
The Pharisees of My Past
The Pharisees in Jesus' time obsessed over traditions such as ritual washing and food laws, seeking righteousness through rigid adherence to outward customs. Similarly, in Islam, I saw an obsession with ritual purity: wudu (ablution), halal slaughter, and fasting during Ramadan were treated as measures of one’s devotion. Yet, this focus often failed to address inner struggles with envy, deceit, or anger.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 15:17-20 clarified this distinction:
"Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them."
Here, Jesus exposed the futility of prioritizing external rituals over inner righteousness. His focus on the heart is a powerful reminder that we must prioritize love, honesty, and purity of thought over outward displays of piety.
The Freedom of Grace
In abandoning the dietary restrictions of Islam and later veganism, I experienced a profound sense of freedom. Jesus’ teachings released me from the chains of legalism, allowing me to focus on developing Christlike attributes—compassion, humility, and integrity.
This passage also provided clarity during my political and spiritual transformation. As a former Democrat and socialist, I was immersed in ideologies that often demanded outward conformity while excusing unethical actions justified by “noble” goals. Jesus’ teachings revealed the hypocrisy of any system—religious or political—that prioritizes external compliance over inner morality.
Application for Christians Today
Christians must guard against modern forms of Pharisaic behavior. In our own faith communities, it can be tempting to measure spirituality by outward observances—attending church, dressing modestly, or abstaining from certain substances. While these practices have their place, they must not overshadow the primary focus on Christlike inner transformation.
Matthew 15:11 reminds us that our words and actions, born of our heart's condition, are the true indicators of our faith. Gossip, false testimony, and slander have no place among Christians. Instead, we are called to speak truth and kindness, reflecting the light of Christ in all we do.
Conclusion
Matthew 15:11 and its surrounding verses offer an enduring challenge: to prioritize inner righteousness over external observance. For me, this teaching was not just theological but deeply personal, reshaping my understanding of what it means to live a holy life.
As an Iranian-American, ex-Muslim, and former vegan turned Christian Conservative, I have found freedom in Jesus’ radical message. It is not what enters our mouths but what emerges from our hearts that defines us. Let us take this truth to heart and strive to embody the love and grace of Christ in every aspect of our lives.
Citations
- Holy Bible, New International Version. Matthew 15:11, 17-20. Accessed at https://www.biblegateway.com.
- Wright, N.T. Matthew for Everyone: Part Two. Westminster John Knox Press, 2004.
- MacArthur, John. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Matthew 8-15. Moody Publishers, 1987.
- Keller, Timothy. The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith. Dutton, 2008.
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