Monday, April 4, 2011

Time for a Little Cleaning



Springtime. Flowering trees give way to leaves. Grass that lay dormant for a season becomes lush and green. New life offers excitement and hope. Just the motivation necessary to tackle spring cleaning. You know, the kind that requires you to set aside some time, roll up your sleeves, and get down to business.

Decks and porches need to be pressure washed. Windows need cleaning inside and out. The garage needs to be de-cluttered. And yes, even the basement could stand to be organized. As I tackle these chores one by one, cleanliness replaces dirt, tidiness takes the place of chaos, and neatness overcomes disarray. It doesn't happen automatically. It takes purpose, a plan and follow-through.

The same is true in my spiritual life. It's easy to get lazy and allow the cobwebs to form over a period of time. A thorough cleaning of my thoughts, motives, and desires is just the ticket. Time to do a little analyzing.

Have I been dwelling on the truth, or believing lies? Where I've believed lies, it's time to break out the heavy-duty cleanser of God's Word and do business. "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ," (2 Corinthians 10:5; KJV) Once clean, I can replace lies with truth. The Apostle Paul provides a great list of things to focus on, things that are: true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

Armed with rubber gloves and scrub brush, it's time to tackle my motives. Why do I do what I do? Am I self-focused or others-focused? Wrong motives can be done away with by applying the truth: I'm to love my fellow man as I love myself (Luke 10:27). I'm also to hold him/her in high esteem (Phil. 2:3). Just taking the time to do some spring cleaning in these areas helps me renew a proper focus.

One more area for consideration - my desires. What do I long for? Fame, wealth, power? No better cleanser to cut through the grime than Bible truths, "I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised:" (Psalm 18-1-3a). My desire is clear once again - to love the Lord and bring Him honor and glory with my life.

Do you have some spiritual spring cleaning to do? Roll up your sleeves and arm yourself with the Word of God - the best cleanser known to man!



Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of the importance of maintaining a 'clean' spiritual life. Help me to evaluate my thoughts, motives and desires in light of the truth of Your Word. Show me where I've been deceived and help me to replace lies with the truth. Thank You for Your presence and Your life-giving Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

11 comments:

  1. I am always convicted when I come here but it is good:) Happy day to you!

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  2. Terri - I know what you mean! The Lord definitely deals with me first before I put my fingers to the keyboard! Have a wonderful day, Terri! Praying you're enjoying your job! God bless!

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  3. I like this spring cleaning soul cleaning prayer and tonight I am putting out 2 bags of items to give to the Hope truck (helps developmentally disabled) that comes around about every 6 weeks. My idea of spring cleaning involves giving stuff away so we have less clutter.

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  4. Happy Spring Cleaning . . . in every area.
    Thanks, Maria.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  5. I just got through some pretty serious "Spiritual" spring cleaning. I'm glad to be done with the cleaning and to move on to the closer walk with God!

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  6. Terra - Thanks for sharing your spring cleaning routine! Great idea to share some of your things with others! Not only does it clear away some clutter, but it also helps focus on the needs of others. Have a wonderful spring! God bless!

    Glenda - Great to see you! Has spring arrived in Chicago yet? Just got back from a trip to MI and learned that they had 3 more inches of snow after I left! Leaves are popping out like crazy here in GA, and our temps are in the 70's and 80's. Happy spring cleaning to you, too! God bless!

    Ralene - Thanks so much for stopping by! Sounds like you're on the right path - a close walk with God is SO rewarding! Enjoy every step! Hugs and blessings!

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  7. Hi Maria -

    Oh yes, the lessons are coming faster than I can absorb them!

    BTW, I've linked to your blog today and spread the award you gave me. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  8. I've been pondering these very scriptures. My motivations and desires are a constant evaluation for me. When bring God stops being the focus, I know danger is lurking near.

    Beautiful post, Maria!

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  9. Love the post! Starting a new study and journey with Priscilla Shires tomorrow.

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  10. Spring cleaning and soul cleaning... or should I say cleansing?
    Thank you for this post Maria, let us never gather cobwebs or dust :)

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  11. Susan - Thanks for the link! Glad you were able to pass along the award, too. Seems there are times in our lives when we're like sponges - soaking up all the lessons we need to learn and pass along. Have a great week enjoying God's blessings! :)

    Tamika - So good to see you! Constant evaluation is very wise! Maintaining a close relationship with God is so very important. Have a wonderful week in His presence, my friend!

    Diana - Thanks for stopping by! Funny you should mention Priscilla - just listened to a Deeper Still CD that included her teaching on the life of David (Anointed). Very good! Enjoy your new study - keep me posted! God bless! :)

    Marja - Good to see you! Wise advice to keep our lives dusted and cobweb-free! House-cleaning always makes me feel good and inspires me to tackle other projects. Soul cleansing is similar - renewed relationship with my Creator and a desire to carry out His plan. Have a fantastic week, enjoying Him! God bless!

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