“It may be difficult, but there will be times we need to pick up our brooms and do some spiritual house cleaning. It is through this process that we find our true relationships, our true heart, our core integrity, and our life’s purpose.” ~ The Book of Simple Human Truths
Spring is around the corner, and most people are ready for spring to be here and looking forward to a better year compared to 2020. Many of us will be intentional about spring cleaning, taking it upon ourselves to clean out our closets, basements, drawers, cars, garages, etc. Some will even use Mr. Clean to clean and disinfect their homes. (Mr. Clean is a household cleaning product created in 1958).¹ Homeowners will be motivated to clean up their yards, lay mulch, plant flowers, bushes, trees, gardens, etc. Let’s face it, we become energized and passionate with the onset of warmer temperatures and nature coming alive. Our zeal and passion for cleaning up after a long COVID winter and enjoying the great outdoors are at an extremely high level. Our zest for life is fresh and ready to thrive. Can I get a witness!
When we think of Jesus, it’s easy to focus on the gentleness, acceptance, and compassion that Jesus is famous for, and quickly forget how Jesus could be boisterous and unsettled when it came to disobedience or our lack of respect for who God is and what God expects in the kingdom. The spirituality of Mr. Clean is holiness. God is holy, so anything other than holiness is unacceptable to the Lord. In our scripture reading today, Jesus is quite loud and demanding as He forces the money changers out of the temple (Mark 11:15-17). The world’s ways are not acceptable in the kingdom. This truth makes it a real challenge for living the kingdom life. We want to mix the world with the kingdom, and Jesus says, “NO NO NO, not on my watch or risen body!” We must learn to understand the entire essence of who Jesus is and what He represents. Jesus is the full expression of God, who is not only holy, but demands justice, righteousness, and shalom for all of creation. The kingdom of God must be divine on earth as it is in heaven. The Holy Spirit is the only authentic Mr. Clean. Everyone is invited to accept or reject this spring clean challenge: will we allow the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts and homes and conduct a spiritual cleansing of His own? If you humbly accept, be ready to be renewed, refreshed, and prepared to grow in 2021!
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did you take away from today’s reflection and scripture readings?
- How ready are you for spring and a COVID-free year?
- What needs to go away in your spiritual housecleaning?
- How do you generally view Jesus? Do you view one set of characteristics over another?
- Why is Jesus so passionate about not mixing the world and the kingdom?
- What does it mean to be Holy?
Prayer
Lord, we invite you into this home today. We love You, Lord, and we invite Your Holy Spirit to rule this home. You are the Jehovah who provides. You have provided us with this home and land.
We consecrate this home and land back to You today. Let the Holy Spirit enter Your house and Your land. We will honor You today with cleansing this home. We invite Your Spirit into our hearts, mind, and body. Fill us with your presence. In Your Spirit and Name, we pray these things. May Your will and not ours be done, now and forever, Amen.
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