Not Optional
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."* - Psalm 51:10
As a child, I vividly recall an evening spent at a friend's house, eagerly awaiting dinner. But before we could sit at the table, his mother insisted we wash up. My friend, however, was less than enthusiastic about the idea. He argued that he could shower later, after dinner. Yet, his father intervened with a lesson that echoes in my mind to this day.
"Why do I have to take a shower before I eat?" my friend protested.
His father's response was firm and clear: washing up wasn't optional if he wanted to enjoy the benefits of staying in the house. If he desired to rest in his bed that night with a full stomach and a roof over his head, cleanliness was non-negotiable.
Reflecting on this incident, I can't help but draw a parallel to our spiritual lives. Just as my friend's father required us to clean up before enjoying the privileges of their home, God calls us to cleanse ourselves spiritually before partaking in His blessings.
Psalm 51:10 echoes this sentiment, as David pleads with God to create in him a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within him. It's a reminder that spiritual purity is essential for communion with God.
Often, we approach God's promises with a desire to receive His blessings while neglecting the necessary step of purification. We want to come as we are, with the dirt and debris of our sins clinging to us. But Paul reminds us that maintaining spiritual cleanliness is essential because it connects us to God's promises.
In the same way, God doesn't demand perfection before welcoming us into His presence. However, He desires hearts that are willing to cleanse themselves, to rid themselves of the spiritual impurities that hinder our fellowship with Him.
As we strive to walk in obedience and purity, we align ourselves with God's promises of presence, protection, deliverance, reconciliation, and provision. Just as my friend's father wanted us to clean up before enjoying the benefits of their home, God invites us to cleanse ourselves so that we may fully experience His abundant blessings.
As a child, I vividly recall an evening spent at a friend's house, eagerly awaiting dinner. But before we could sit at the table, his mother insisted we wash up. My friend, however, was less than enthusiastic about the idea. He argued that he could shower later, after dinner. Yet, his father intervened with a lesson that echoes in my mind to this day.
"Why do I have to take a shower before I eat?" my friend protested.
His father's response was firm and clear: washing up wasn't optional if he wanted to enjoy the benefits of staying in the house. If he desired to rest in his bed that night with a full stomach and a roof over his head, cleanliness was non-negotiable.
Reflecting on this incident, I can't help but draw a parallel to our spiritual lives. Just as my friend's father required us to clean up before enjoying the privileges of their home, God calls us to cleanse ourselves spiritually before partaking in His blessings.
Psalm 51:10 echoes this sentiment, as David pleads with God to create in him a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within him. It's a reminder that spiritual purity is essential for communion with God.
Often, we approach God's promises with a desire to receive His blessings while neglecting the necessary step of purification. We want to come as we are, with the dirt and debris of our sins clinging to us. But Paul reminds us that maintaining spiritual cleanliness is essential because it connects us to God's promises.
In the same way, God doesn't demand perfection before welcoming us into His presence. However, He desires hearts that are willing to cleanse themselves, to rid themselves of the spiritual impurities that hinder our fellowship with Him.
As we strive to walk in obedience and purity, we align ourselves with God's promises of presence, protection, deliverance, reconciliation, and provision. Just as my friend's father wanted us to clean up before enjoying the benefits of their home, God invites us to cleanse ourselves so that we may fully experience His abundant blessings.
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