As I watched my 14-year-old son clean the microwave this morning, I was fascinated by the concept of cleaning, why we do it, how often we do it, and the consequences of not doing it (i.e. letting dirt pile up). To see if he got it, I asked him; “…why do we clean, why do we bother to keep clean?” I was not surprised that he got it, but I was impressed. Of course, he is my son! LOL. Don’t you agree?
In any case, the shortest form of his answer was that, naturally we clean or keep clean, to spiritually replicate how God the Father is constantly cleaning and keeping us clean from sin by His Word in Christ (Eph 5:26). Ok, he did not quite articulate it this way, but that is what he meant. Each time we clean and make an effort to keep clean, we are demonstrating the act and process of ‘sanctification’ (1Cor 6:11; Jn 17:17).
Wisdom, Wisdom, Clean Wisdom!
“O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God…” (Rom 11:33). Who can unravel the profound wisdom of God, which He has simplified even in the trivial things we always do. I am just amazed. The items we clean don’t know they are dirty, haven’t asked us to clean them, and don’t care if we do. So why do we bother to clean? We do so for ourselves; to keep dirt and smell and discomfort at bay, but more importantly to be presentable and faultless to God, who cleans us from sin because He cares (Eph 5:27).
Like sin, dirt and its accompanying stench is an open invitation to flies (demons or devils) and Satan their chief (Luk 11:15). The only thing that keeps devils at bay is the water of the word of God, our Heavenly Father. We take a bath, first in it through salvation and baptism, and then keep clean by engaging in sanctifying activities such as fellowship with His people, church ministries, studying the word, and living the lifestyle of Christ (Jn 13:10).
God, our Father, loves you! So keep clean to keep away the devil and his diseases.
Brother Dennis.
