Spot Cleaning

What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

My two month wait finally over, Alex, the painter, has been here all week. His job, as part of the warranty on the house, is to do the paint touch up work both inside and out. I am thrilled to get this work done so that I can remove all the blue masking tape that has dotted the house. But do you know what I have discovered? Every time he comes and makes a sweep through the house, I find more areas that need his quick, sure touch. Clean, fresh paint highlights areas I never noticed and the next thing I know, more blue masking tape. I am sure he thinks he will never be done with this project. Have you found that your life can be like the walls in my house, always in need of repair with just one more spot to clean up? Just when you think you have everything under control, out peeks a loose string in your life that needs to be cut or tucked away! We try out best to clean up our act but somehow it is never enough. Ever been on a diet? If you have, I would imagine, it was not your first. We dress to camouflage our perceived weak spots, use make-up to hide the blemishes, color our hair to hide the gray. Such actions may cover the outside but what about the inside? Negative emotions and attitudes are harder to hide and change. Too often we adopt unhealthy responses because the pain inside is too great to handle and we can’t find a way to escape; anorexia and bulimia are good examples. Anger, depression, compulsions, and withdrawal are manifestations of the dark places in our heart and soul. We try and put on a happy face but it doesn’t last. Let me assure you that the only way to get the job done once and for all is to give it to the Master, the One who made us and knows all of our parts. Sin gets in the way and messes with our lives. Yet, Jesus offers us new life, without spot or blemish. Only the grace and forgiveness that comes from repentance and acceptance on our part can make us whole and clean. Finally, no more spot cleaning...it is all done!