April, 2009

As you clean out your closets and dust away the cobwebs this spring, take a little time to do some spiritual cleaning as well.  A good house cleaning will only last for a little while, but an in-depth cleansing of your spirit can have an eternal influence.

Week One : Clean Your Mind

 Our thoughts can quickly become our actions so it is important to start our spiritual cleaning with a clean and pure mind.  The garbage that we are regularly presented by the world can take hold in our minds and cause us to become more like the world.

Passages to Study:

Philippians 4:8

Romans 12

Week Two: Clean Your Heart

 David prayed that God would create in him a clean heart, and we would do well to offer the same prayer on this week of our spiritual cleaning.  A clean heart draws us closer to God, which is necessary if we want to be truly clean.

Passages to Study:

Psalm 51:10

Hebrews 10:22

 Week Three:  Clean Your Mouth

 Once your heart is clean, your language should follow.  The way we speak shows others what is in our hearts.  A clean mouth does not use bad language or engage in negative conversation about others.  A clean mouth does not give voice to complaints, but instead offers praise to God and encouragement to those around us.

Passages to Study: 

Luke 6

James 3

Week Four: Clean Your Spiritual Closets

 Sins that we hide deep inside can destroy us and our relationship with God and others.  Make this the week you clean out your spiritual closets and confess your sins and receive forgiveness.

Passages to Study:

 Psalm 32

James 5:16

Week Five: Throw Out Last Year’s Clutter

 We all sin (Romans 3:23) and sometimes the sins of others are directed towards us.  But the Bible teaches that we should have a forgiving attitude.  Make this the week you throw out the clutter that bitterness leaves inside.  Offer forgiveness to those who have sinned against you.

Passages to Study:

Colossians 3:13

Ephesians 4

Week Six:  Let some “Son” Light In

 After a good cleaning, it’s always nice to throw open the windows and let in the fresh air and sunlight.  On this final week of spiritual cleaning, we need to let the light of God’s only son, Jesus, shine into our lives.  We have been called into fellowship with Jesus Christ our Lord.  When we have “son” light in our lives, we can let our lights shine before others  so they too can glorify God.

Passages to Study:

Matthew 5:16

1 Corinthians 1

By Valerie Enoch

Orginally printed in the Spring 2009 issue,