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“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 (NLT)

Some people ascribe to the practice of spring cleaning. Spring is a time for discarding jackets, scarves, and gloves in order to better enjoy the fresh warmth. Spring is a time for buckling down and finishing schoolwork for the year, so we can enjoy summer vacation the moment final exams are over. Any deep cleaning gets pushed to the back burner for later.

Our family ascribes to the lesser known practice of the-week-before-school-starts cleaning. A wave of loathing for all things cluttered or overflowing starts the week off. Working under the pressure of a deadline—before the chaos of a new school year derails any extra projects—usually keeps us motivated. Some years, we lose steam partway through the process, giving up in exhaustion before crossing the finish line. This year we tackled every drawer, cabinet, and closet trashing, giving away, or selling everything that wasn’t necessary for our daily survival.

Just as we took the time to clean and organize our drawers, cabinets, and closets, so we as believers, must take the time to examine our hearts—every nook and cranny. What does our key verse mean when it refers to a pure heart? A pure heart is one which is free of the guilt of sin, the pollution sin causes. Our hearts and minds relish the purity that comes with living free of the pollution and guilt of sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NASB)

Our reward for an organized, clean house is a temporary feeling of satisfaction knowing there is room … for more junk to fill up every space in the coming year. The reward for a clean, pure heart is infinitely better. To “see God” is not just to see Him with our eyes but to perceive Him in all His glory, to truly know Him more than words on a page but with every fiber of our being. More than mere temporary satisfaction, seeing God fills us to bursting.

Is it time for some end of summer cleaning?

“Lord, we bare ourselves before You to be cleansed of our sin. Thank You for Your forgiveness and the clear perception to really see You.”

For His Glory

Tammy Randlett (http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life