- BY CHARLENE RAMSTEAD, Regina Beach, Lumsden, Craven, Southey Layperson
I always was, as my sister can testify, and probably always will be, as my Husband has learned. Despite this, my mom raised us kids to spring clean every year. Together we washed walls, floors and bathrooms, but it never created any enjoyment for me.
That was not until I got married and matured a bit. Then some appreciation for homes kept in order began to grow. I’m not talking about perfection, but a decently organized, clean and prepared home ready for whatever came its way. This new interest inspired me to buy a book on how to tackle spring cleaning projects.
As I have been working at this lately, I’ve noticed parallels of spring cleaning a home and taking a fresh look at my walk with God. Both involved a guidebook. One showed me how my home could look and function better. Even more importantly, God’s guidebook shows how a life under Christ’s control could look and function better. God’s Word says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” Psalms 119:105. Nothing exposes a mess or a sparkle like shining a light on it.
If we are ready to face either of these challenges, it begins with decluttering. Practically speaking, we need to haul out any junk that has gathered accidentally. That may take looking with fresh eyes for clutter we have grown accustomed to living with. We may need to do the same in our faith walk. Things like unhealthy friendships, compromising standards or selfishness can creep into our lives before we know it, crowding the space Christ wants to fill. So maybe ask a friend you trust if they will point out one thing they see in your life that might be hindering a fresh walk with God. God’s Word tells us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” Hebrews 12:1-2
Then we need to wash. It’s not fun, but it’s vital to being clean. A fresh walk with God takes a willingness to be washed on the inside. Only God knows how to deal with the grit and grime of the heart. Psalm 51:7 says, “cleanse me…and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow”. Thankfully there is absolutely nothing Jesus’s shed blood can’t cleanse us from.
Last is decorating, showcasing the beauty of a space transformed. Unique, pretty things become the focal point of a room. It’s what people notice. Let Jesus be the beauty in your life. There is nothing more beautiful than Christ’s character, and when it is observed in a life, it is captivating. A prepared home is ready to be shared with others and will bless those who encounter it. So is a life that has been refreshed by Christ.Comment on this at lmtimes.ca/minister
Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.
