How do we know that the heart is central to worship?

In Matthew 15:11, Jesus clearly states that what defiles a person is not what they consume, but the evil that emanates from the heart, such as evil thoughts and sinful actions. This underscores the belief that genuine worship and relationship with God must originate from a transformed heart. The heart's condition reflects a person's true character and relationship with God, making it essential to focus on the heart's purity before considering external acts of worship. A heart aligned with Christ will naturally lead to worship that pleases God.