July 28, 2007
A Good Cleaning
Today’s truth
“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV
Friend to Friend
A few weeks back, I sat in the dentist chair and considered the state of my teeth. I found it rather interesting, and somewhat frustrating, that even though I brush my teeth two times a day, stains are still a problem. I hate that. Who wants dingy teeth? Not me. I like my teeth to sparkle. I want them to rank white on the sliding scale of teeth colors!
Now, I’m sure that my two cups of coffee each morning don’t help my dental stain situation, but for goodness sakes, I take care of my teeth! I use whitening toothpaste with fluoride, brush in circles for two minutes or more, and I floss. Okay – so I don’t floss everyday…but I do floss! Yet, in spite of my daily efforts, I still have to visit my dentist every six month for a good cleaning. My pearly whites just aren’t as dazzling as they could be without the power-tooth-scrubber that my hygienist uses. Between you and me, I really want to have that laser whitening treatment.
Like stains gradually build up on our teeth – though we brush daily, it occurs to me that stains probably build up in our hearts over time, too. It’s a gradual thing. Even if we confess our sins daily, I believe we can still encounter residual build up of un-holiness. Now, hear me friend, this is not a devotion of condemnation. I live freely in the promise found in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I trust that our LORD forgives and forgets our confessed sins completely. But, I’ve found in my own life, that subtle choices like resentment, laziness, gossip, selfishness, un-forgiveness, self-indulgence, pride, and uncontrolled anger – among other things - can diminish the shine on my soul and keep me from God’s best for my life.
It’s time for a good cleaning, friends. God calls us to cast aside everything that keeps us from Himself. We need to do that today. As we invite God to change our hearts, the laser treatment of His holy light removes lingering stains that dull the appearance and evidences of our faith and purity. Let’s turn our hearts toward God today and ask that He would remove any stains that have built up on our souls. Anything coming to mind?
Let’s Pray
Holy Father,
Would you please show me the stains on my soul? Please forgive me for _____________. Help me to be a pure reflection of Your holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit. Guide me in Your paths of righteousness for Your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Now it’s Your Turn
More from the girls
Focus your heart on God throughout the day by worshiping with music! Get Gwen’s hymns and worship CD, “Through All Generations.”
Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
Originally published Thursday, 26 July 2007.
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