We've been hearing a lot about hand washing. And rightly so. You know the drill: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, dry. Soap & water. 20 seconds. Before & after... basically everything!
There is a cleanliness that goes even deeper. I'm taking about spiritual purity. You see, the Bible says something about people who put their hope in Christ and are waiting for His return:
...everyone who
thus hopes in Him
purifies himself
as He is pure.
1 John 3:3
The Lord we are waiting for is pure. He is perfect and holy, having no sin at all. This would be the Bible's definition of clean. And we are called to follow Him in forsaking the sin "which so easily entangles us"(Hebrews 12:1).
Times when we are more on our own, with more time on our hands, when we have time off from the regular schedule or routine are particularly challenging in this area. We miss the rub of fellow Christians. We have considerably less encouragement and accountability. It's easier for us to veg, to binge, to wander.
It's OK to take time off. It's a gift to be able to relax and enjoy. But be alert to the fact that we are more likely to indulge in sin under such circumstances. We are more tempted to be lazy, to be selfish, to spend our days on worldly pleasures.
What can we do to practically flee from sin?
How can we pursue things of eternal value in this situation?
Let's encourage one another in spiritual purity and hope!
written by Gina
Comments
There is so much we can do with this time if we put our minds to it.
Karen
And it is so true in these strange times! I want to be diligent. To read His Word, to have goals for the day, etc. These were great ideas! Also just more intentional time with immediate family! And staying in close connection with everyone! Like this blog!!! So so good!! To stay accountable and fellowshipping with one another!!!