A Cleaning Principle that Applies to Our Spirits

My mother taught me a great cleaning tip: clean up the little messes so they don’t become big messes.

When I bake, I like to put away the ingredients and wipe the counters as I'm preparing. I like to clean out closets and cabinets several times a year. I like to clean my bathroom on a regular schedule so dirt doesn't build up.

I'd rather deal with little messes than big ones.

This tip works spiritually too:

• Unkempt thoughts create cluttered rooms of depression and discouragement.
• Little spills of bitterness lead to floors sticky with anger, hatred, and jealousy.
• Small piles of dishonesty accumulate into closets stuffed with self-deception.

But cleaning up the little sins helps prevent big messy ones.

Typically, Luke 16:10 is used to encourage faithfulness in our service to God, but I think it also applies to sin: if we're faithful to deal with the small sins, we will be faithful to deal with the big ones. And perhaps dealing with the small sins will prevent the big ones.

Little things matter.

Some "Cleaning" Tips:

1. When you begin to feel pulled by worldly values:

James 4:8: "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."   

2. When you are tempted to sin, remember your hope in Christ:

1 John 3:3: "All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure."

Bible Love Notes