February 23 “Spiritual Spring Cleaning” Ephesians 4:31
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina … “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:31)
Have you ever participated in “Spring Cleaning?” Every year, as far back as I can remember, we would de-clutter the house and get rid of things that we no longer needed or wanted. Even today, Annette and I “Spring Clean” our house and we use the criteria of, “If we haven’t used it in the last 5 years, it has to go!” As I contemplate this reality, I recognize that there are certain things within our spiritual lives that need to be gotten rid of, purged and cleaned! Followers of Jesus Christ need to get rid of “Bitterness!” Not just a little, but the entire load! We need to get rid of any rage or anger that would cause others to stumble and fall! We need to jettison any forms of malice and ill will! We must get rid of any attitudes that we would like to see others suffer! All of these attitudes, actions, thoughts and challenges need to be purged from our existence! As you rid yourself of these “junk” items, you will begin to feel better, freer, refreshed! As you become more “Christ-Like,” you will experience the Liberty and Victory of being an overcome, and your witness for Jesus will be truer, purer, and more effective! Remember, as you rid yourself of the negative habits, attitudes, and actions, you open yourself up for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to fill the voids and to energize you towards experiencing the wonderful blessings of God! As for me, I pray regularly that God will continue to “purge” my life, cleanse my thoughts and to allow me to be bitter-free, anger-free, malice-free and to be a total witness for Him! BOTTOM LINE: I want to be more like Jesus every single day! How about you? Do you need a “Spiritual Spring Cleaning?” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
POSTSCRIPT: What is the goal of the “Church?” Are we supposed to be a “Bright Light” for Jesus in this Dark and Chaotic World? Are we supposed to “Get Along” with our neighbors and to exercise God’s Grace in all that we do? Does our “opinion” mean more than the commandments of God? Is money the determining factor in the effectiveness of the witness and ministry of the “Church?” How do “Unbelievers” see the “Church?” Are we focused on the “Good News,” and the “Sharing” of this “Good News” more than expressing our narrow, agenda driven personal “Feelings?” Just a few questions to ponder! Does your “opinion” and Your actions bring people closer to a personal relationship with God, through the atoning Blood of Jesus, or does it push them further away from His Amazing Grace?