The Dirt of Life
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2 NKJV
I was vacuuming the carpet of our church sanctuary today; back and forth, between the pews, down the aisle. It’s surprising how much dirt can show up by the time of our weekly cleaning. It may not look like much when we walk in the door. But by the time I finish, I’m well aware of how much grime was there. Regular cleaning is important – for our churches, our homes, for everything. And yet how often do we neglect to regularly cleanse our minds and souls?
There is no doubt that for those of us whom the blood of Jesus has saved and redeemed, we are made new. In Ezekiel 36:25, 26, the Word tells us that we have been given a new heart, washed clean by His grace. But just as that floor you swept or vacuumed yesterday is now dirty, so it can be with our hearts. And it’s often the dust of sin that can get left behind. The bad word you heard, the twinge of jealousy, or the angry words you held back are still shouting in your mind. We have to clean out those things. We have to be daily renewing our minds – sweeping them clean of the filth that so easily slips in. And no matter how good our intentions may be, we cannot do it on our own; we need the Holy Spirit to move in us. May David’s prayer in Psalm 51:10 be ours as well: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
So what dirt and grime has the devil been tracking into your life lately? Are you asking the Lord to help you keep your mind pure so that you can walk joyfully in His Will?