Unleavened In A Leavened World

Unleavened hearts in a leavened world, kept pure by the indwelling Spirit of Jesus.

Devotional Credit: Open Windows, T. Austin-Sparks, “That They May All Be One, Even As We Are One,” Meeting 30

Photo Credit: Unsplash

The disciples needed time before it clicked. Matthew tells us that they finally understood Jesus was not talking about bakery yeast, He was warning them about teaching that puffs people up and pulls hearts off center. T. Austin-Sparks puts a careful light on that warning. He describes how leaven works in teaching that flatters the flesh, swells our sense of importance, and offers a sweetness that soon turns sour. I am grateful for his voice. It helps us slow down, look again at the Lord’s words, and choose the bread that truly nourishes.

Leavened teaching is attractive because it caters to our natural tastes. It often feels easy, affirming, and impressive. But Jesus calls us to something purer. He invites us to walk as those who belong to a different life. Not inflated. Not addicted to size, speed, or spectacle. Not measuring worth by what pleases the crowd. The call is simple. Stay close to Jesus. Learn His way. Let His life within set the flavor of your days.

This is not about scolding. It is about protection. When messages make us big and make the cross small, we drift. When messages soothe our impulses and ignore our need for new life, we drift. The Lord guards us by drawing us back to Himself. He feeds us with Himself, the true bread from heaven, and He keeps our hearts steady in love and truth.

So how do we live as unleavened people in a leavened world? We walk the abiding life. We trust that Jesus lives in us by His Spirit. We let His word dwell richly in us. We stay teachable with one another as His body. We keep our focus on the Lord who has made us new, not on techniques that promise quick growth. The aim is not to grow bigger. The aim is to grow truer. Thank you, Brother Austin-Sparks, for pointing us back to the simplicity and purity of devotion to Jesus.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

I am with you, and I am in you. I guide you into truth that sets you free, not into messages that soothe the flesh. Abide in the Son, and let His words abide in you. As you remain in Him, you bear fruit that lasts, not the puffed air of applause. I teach you to test everything, to hold fast to what is good, and to refuse what is evil dressed in pleasant words.

I form the mind of Christ in you. Think with sober judgment. Do not measure yourself or the work of God by size or noise. I lead you to boast in the cross, to glory in weakness where the power of God rests on you. I knit you together with others in one body, one loaf, so that you discern truth in fellowship, not in isolation.

I train your senses to distinguish good from evil. I guard you from winds of doctrine that toss you about. I keep you steady in grace, rooted in the love that builds up. When teaching tickles ears, return to the Scriptures. When a message centers the self, look again to the Lord Jesus. In Him you died to sin. In Him you live unto God. Present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and let righteousness be your new way of walking.

I am the Holy Spirit, your Comforter and Counselor. I point you to Jesus, never away from Him. I keep you in the simplicity of Christ. I nourish you with the pure bread of His word. Walk as children of light. Expose what is dark by simply being what you are in Him. I will keep you pure. I will keep you at peace. I will keep you together in love as you yield to Me.

Real-Life Analogy

Think of a pot of simmering soup on the stove. A small spoonful of sugar changes the whole pot. It softens edges and masks what is really there. In the same way, teaching that caters to our natural taste can sweeten the moment while dulling our hunger for Jesus. It seems kind, it seems easy, yet it slowly shifts the flavor of the whole life.

When you notice that shift during your week, you can respond without striving. In a conversation that flatters the ego, or a video that promises a shortcut to spiritual success, pause inside and turn to the Lord within. You might simply say, Lord, I trust You to keep my palate true right now, shape my desires and give me joy in the truth. Then choose the quiet path of honesty and humility. Let Jesus in you flavor the moment with sincerity.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, thank You that in Jesus I am already Yours. Thank You that Your Spirit lives in me and leads me into truth. I praise You that I am not at the mercy of whatever sounds pleasant. Your word abides in me. Your peace guards me. Your love keeps me steady. Today I affirm that the cross is my glory, the Son is my life, and the Spirit is my guide. I rejoice that You have made me part of one body, one loaf, kept pure by Your grace. I walk forward resting in what You have already provided.

Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section

Matthew 16:11-12; John 14:16-17; John 15:4-5; John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22; Romans 12:3; Galatians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 1 Corinthians 10:17; Ephesians 4:14-16; Hebrews 5:14; Colossians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4; Romans 6:6-14; Romans 6:13; Ephesians 5:8-11; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Isaiah 5:20; 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Timothy 4:16; Jude 3-4; Jude 20-21; Colossians 2:8; Philippians 1:9-10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 2:20-27