Keep it Clean

“Hachoo!”

I heard the installer of our new satellite system sneeze as I passed him by while he worked installing our new system. I contemplated the dust lurking in the corners of our entertainment system. Up on his stool, with peripherals pulled out and wires exposed, he was able to access areas that even I had not seen in some time.

“Bless you! I am so sorry! Please excuse the dust.” I answered.

“No problem,” he replied. “You wouldn’t believe the mess I come across all the time while I’m working in other people’s houses.”

At this statement, I was able to somehow justify and have the consolation that surely I don’t have the same amount of dust in the corners as other people, but still, I felt the need to break out the vacuum. Before kids came along, I was diligent in dusting once a week. With all the demands of a working mother, who has time to clean every nook and cranny?

The implications of this exchange led to me question. What are the things lurking in the recesses of my mind that I would not want exposed? What is the dirt lingering in the corners of my heart? What would I be ashamed of if the hidden things were unconcealed?

The Bible says that nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13). The God of all knows what lies in darkness. He searches the heart and examines the mind. We cannot throw rugs over the dirty things of our lives.

What is the hidden dirt in your life? Is it a secret spirit of pride, a touchy, sensitive spirit, or maybe a fretful, fearing spirit? Perhaps there are things that would seem even more grotesque, but it is all unholy and sure to dilute your faith. Let us bring the hidden things into the light. With David, let us go before the Lord and petition,

“Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me.” (Ps 139:23).

Through Jesus and His atoning work at the cross, our loving God is able to give us clean hands and create in us a pure heart (Ps 24:4). He is faithful to renew a steadfast spirit and as we look to Him we are radiant. Our faces are without shame (Ps 34:5). No more apologies for our dust and dirt! With His help, we can keep it clean.