The sunshine and fresh air of springtime create a newness everywhere. Plants with fresh buds and flowers. Gardens sprouting. It’s the perfect time to make our homes sparkling clean. I yearn for cleanliness. Curtains and windows get washed. Attics and closets get cleaned out. It is the perfect time to make things appear new again.
During this season, I am constantly thinking of something else that could use either a thorough cleaning or a purging of extra stuff. But, am I forgetting that I am also a temple that houses the spirit of God? Sometimes, I am also in need of a good spring cleaning.
Looking at myself and my attitudes may be in order when I am already in a spring cleaning mode.
Ephesians 4 gives many tips that can help me to feel like the new creation that God already declared me to be. Here are some questions to ask myself in order to sweep some dust from my life:
Do I look any different from an unbelieving person? I should not be living the same as unbelievers. They have the excuse of not knowing the Lord but I no longer have that excuse. I should stand out and the best way to do that is to model the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control.
Do I lust for material pleasures? This could be as simple as desiring a new car like my neighbor bought even though my old one is still running well and will still get me where I want to go. It’s okay to buy nice things when I can afford them but I shouldn’t dwell on my lack until that time comes.
Am I remembering the truths of Jesus words and promises? If I listen to the worries, insecurities, and other negativity that has a tendency to flow from my heart and mind then I’m not remembering the Lord and His promises. Anxieties don’t offer my soul anything good. Instead, I need to read the bible and remind myself of God’s faithful promises as well as His good nature. Then, I can live from a much better starting point.
Do I let lies fall from my mouth? The lies I’m prone to aren’t necessarily the obvious ones of telling someone something and then going out to do something completely different. However, there are other lies that are less insidious but still not honest. For instance, lying because it’s convenient so I won’t have to tell someone the details of a situation. Even little lies are barriers to an authentic relationship with others.
Am I guilty of letting anger control me? Anger by itself is simply an emotion but when left unchecked, it can be the starting point of many sins. I’m typically a calm person but there are moments that can bring out my anger. For instance, if I’m in traffic and someone blatantly cuts me off I don’t always respond with forgiveness. And, if I’m scrolling through my Facebook news feed and someone says something in which I completely disagree, I may wonder what is wrong with them. Most of the time, I let it go because, after all, if I have a right to my opinion, so do they. But if I’m not careful, I can let anger control me and I might say or type a comment I will later regret.
Do I ever speak with foul or abusive language? You may think what’s the harm. Everyone says a curse word from time to time. Do curse words help a situation or do they add fire to another conflagration? Our words should always be good and helpful and even encourage those that hear them. All curse words do is let out steam for the speaker; they do nothing for the listener.
Am I ever bitter? Bitterness is an overarching cover for other emotions such as jealousy, regret, self-pity, and anger. It can be addressed toward others or yourself. I need to stop any of the roots of bitterness as quickly as I can. If any of those symptoms take root in my life as bitterness, they can lead to months and even years of unproductiveness. The antidote to bitterness in any form is to put on kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness of others. You can do this when you remember that Christ forgave your transgressions.
In my spring cleaning this year, I want to include putting off various negative traits and habits that only render me useless in life. Then, I want to put on the opposite of those traits. When I do this, I get rid of dust bunnies, cobwebs, and dirt and make way for sparkling clean fruitfulness. And, I will actually live as a child of the light.
…throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. ~ Ephesians 4:22-24
