FaithFull SL

STRENGTHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND LIVE A FULFILLING, FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE

BY TRISHA MITCHELL

When I think of Spring, the first thought that pops into mind is “spring cleaning.” A time to dust, declutter, and discard the remnants of winter. A time to stow away heavy clothes and get rid of the gloom associated with long nights of hibernation. It is an awakening of everything that was dormant to finally spring forward and be refreshed — naturally and spiritually.

Someone once said that “cleanliness is next to godliness.” Does this mean that God is unhappy when our homes are in disarray? Perhaps. 1 Corinthians 14:33 teaches us that “God is not a God of disorder,” but that “all things should be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Maintaining a clean, orderly home may be pleasing to God. But I believe God is more concerned about a clean heart than a dirty kitchen. Proverbs 4:23 states that the heart is the “wellspring of life.” Every issue we will ever face will be based on the condition of our heart. For this reason, we are instructed to do everything in our power to protect it.

In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, we discover that our physical body serves as a home for the Holy Spirit. It is considered a temple—a sanctuary where God can commune with us. It was specifically created so the Holy Spirit can take up residence. And since the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in an unclean temple, it is our responsibility to keep it as clean and holy as possible by monitoring intruders and unwelcome guests.

Deep cleaning of our heart is not easy. Reason being, “the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Galatians 5:17). Nevertheless, Matthew 26:41 encourages us to “Keep watch and pray, so that we will not give in to temptation. For while the spirit is willing, the body is weak!” So… what can we do to keep our spiritual home clean and free from contaminants? We definitely can’t just call “Dial-A-Maid,” because taking care of our temple is a personal commitment. Yet, Job 11:13-15 suggests that we set our heart on God and reach out to Him. It further elaborates that if we scrub our hands of sin and refuse to entertain evil in our home, we’ll be able to face the world unashamed and keep a firm grip on life—guiltless and fearless! Whew!

Sounds complicated. But thank goodness we serve a God who left us specific instructions of how to care for our hearts and maintain a sense of holiness. While there is a plethora of scripture to guide us in this manner, I’ll discuss a few familiar ones.

First, we must ask God to “create in [us] a clean heart and renew the right spirit within [us]” (Psalms 51:10). Once we have welcomed God in, we must declutter the chambers of our heart to make room for our new occupant. This means that we must evict the things that had been residing there. There’s only room for One. Psalms 119:11 says that we’re to “hide God’s Word in our hearts so we don’t sin against Him.” Since God speaks to us through His Word, obeying this scripture keeps the Holy Spirit “tucked” in and comfortably surrounded with godliness. There’s not a person on earth “Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin” (Proverbs 20:9). However, in Ezekiel 36:25-27, God promised to “sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanliness.” He promises to “give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” He’s going to “remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” And “put [His] Spirit within you.” This is great news! As Believers, it is our duty to open our hearts and make the necessary adjustments in our lives to create space that gives God access. As we prepare our natural homes for guests, let’s not neglect to provide an abode for the Holy Spirit’s arrival as well. As we move from winter to spring, let us do so with great expectation! The forecast is favorable. If the Holy Spirit has been lying dormant in your life, take advantage of this opportunity and arouse Him by renewing your commitment to God. His outpouring love is only available when we water ourselves with His Word. Break away from the winter blues and embrace a new beginning.

— Be freshed!