A Fresh Start
I am a messy at heart. I always was, as my sister can testify, and probably always will be, as my Husband has learned. Strangely though, my mom trained us kids to spring clean every year. She generously supplied the lists, mop pails and rags. Together we washed walls, floors and bathrooms but it never created any ounce of joy in spring cleaning for me.
That is not until I got married and matured a bit. Then some appreciation began to grow for homes kept in order. I’m not talking about perfection but organized, clean and prepared for whatever came their way. Seeing that inspired me to buy a book on how to tackle spring cleaning projects. Cleaning out, cleaning up and adding functionality to a home.
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 guide book. One showed me how my home could look and function. While even more importantly God’s guide book pictures what a life under Christ’s control could look like. 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 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 accidently in the spaces of the room. That may take looking with fresh eyes for clutter we have grown accustomed to living with in our homes. We may need to do the same in our faith walk. Things like unhealthy friendships, compromising standards or selfishness can creep into our life before we know it, crowding 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 God’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.