This weekend Dave is off on a weekend with our son so I am making good use of my time by doing some deep cleaning. I don’t like clutter and I don’t like mess.
Friday, I got out the leaf blower and cleaned up the deck and the patio. Dave’s really good at keeping that done but Thursday night we had a monsoon come through with winds, blowing dust and pine needs, rain and more dust.
Then yesterday it was time to hose off the patio chairs because of the dust, the rain and the tree pollen. After my prayer time and Bible reading this morning, I got up to get another cup of coffee and the refrigerator caught my eye. Since I’m going to be joining Dave and Koy on Tuesday I thought I really should go through the fridge and get rid of anything that might spoil. Yep, I went down that rabbit hole but it’s done now.
Brought myself back to my chair and laptop and these words came to mind. “Cleanse yourself from these things”. I knew the Lord was speaking to me spiritually.
“ In a big house there are not only things made of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some are of more use than others. Some are used every day. 21 If a man lives a clean life, he will be like a dish made of gold. He will be respected and set apart for good use by the owner of the house.
22 Turn away from the sinful things young people want to do. Go after what is right. Have a desire for faith and love and peace. Do this with those who pray to God from a clean heart. 23 Let me say it again. Have nothing to do with foolish talk and those who want to argue. It can only lead to trouble. 24 A servant owned by God must not make trouble. He must be kind to everyone. He must be able to teach. He must be willing to suffer when hurt for doing good.” II Timothy 2:20-24 NLV
That part about those who want to argue hits home. In high school and college, I was a debater. You choose one opinion, and I would debate the opposite side, whether I believed what I was saying or not. I was good at it. The Lord continues to teach me not to argue!
“There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven that are hated by Him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that kill those who are without guilt, 18 a heart that makes sinful plans, feet that run fast to sin, 19 a person who tells lies about someone else, and one who starts fights among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19 NLV
That’s a big list – pride, lying, murder, evil plans and running to carry them out, gossip and discord.
Now, I’m not trying to step on anybody’s toes but Scripture is given for our instruction and correction. Even the things that are silver and gold need to be polished so they keep their luster.
The Father wants what’s best for us! As the Holy Spirit ministers to our hearts, we should be willing to clean some things out.