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How clean is clean?

 

Everyone is different and God has something different for everyone, including what is or is not important to us individually in our Christian walk. Some Christians have been convicted on what movies they can watch or books they read—others feel no conviction at all. We are told to be careful not to be a stumbling block to others because of our convictions and not use them against others  (Romans 14:15-17, 1 Corinthians 10:23-33)

I do housework weekly. My friends laugh at me because none of them do regular housework. I am fine with that! God impressed on me some years ago that he has provided me with a warm and comfortable home and wants me to look after it. So that’s what I do, because that is a particular conviction for me—not for my friends.

However, now is the time of the year when I do spring-cleaning. None of my friends does this either and again, it is part of my agreement with God to look after my house.

It has occurred to me that maybe we need to sometimes spring-clean our hearts.

It is easy to compromise and be influenced by worldly views because they become so entrenched in society. We need to be wise and discerning. It is easy to ‘have a wee gossip’ when meeting with friends and we need to monitor our thoughts and words. We need to be sure to treat others well—especially those who do not treat us well. We need to be alert to allowing bitterness or unforgiveness to take root in our hearts.

So how do we do all this?  Spend time in prayer and reflection to allow God to reveal to us those areas where we need to get rid of our rubbish. Repent and ask forgiveness. Pray Psalm 51:10-12. Get rid of those things that clutter our minds and spirits and impede our spiritual growth. This might be really hard to do, especially if it is something you enjoy.

Being accountable to another Christian, meeting with a mentor, asking spiritually wise people to support you are all helpful.

Be quick to repent. Simplify life especially in avoiding those social media platforms that might entangle us. Not all technology is good!

Continue to build relationship with God, read The Word regularly. Reflect on our purpose.

These are all good ways to help keep the clutter and rubbish from your spiritual life.

But in this moment, I have some cupboards to clean out.

God bless.

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