Whether it be your mind, body, living environment or belonging, as Christians, or even just living creatures we are to be clean in everything we do. As a young girl, being clean was not a part of my daily ritual, but also neither was my character. Does our unclean character come from being unclean over all? Why is it so important for us to be clean? Does God really care and do the angels take note of how our homes are?? The answer to all of these are yes. Plain and simple, yes.
Uncleanliness of the Clothes
“And the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. ” Exodus 19:10-11
God had spoken to Moses about the dirty clothing of the Israelites. But what about “Come as you are?” you may ask and is the popular excuse today. No, when you are coming to the presence of God, you come to be cleansed. But when the presence of God is coming to visit you, you better tidy up and be prepared. God CANNOT dwell in uncleanliness. Though we are not the Israelites, after Christ died on the cross we became the chosen people. Are your clothing as clean as possible on a daily basis? Would not you want the Spirit of God to visit you everyday? Think on that. Lastly, unclean clothes can affect our health and damage our skin pores. When clothes are not washed, and are worn again, “the impurities will be reabsorbed” (Child Guidance, p.109).
Cleanliness of the Home
Our living homes should be our earthly heaven. In that, we should worship God in our homes with our families and individually, we ought to also keep our homes in order. When keeping our homes in order we then prove to God that we can live in a cleaner home called, Heaven. And remember in order for the Spirit to visit us, we ought to not just have our homes cleaned, but also our sins must be washed away. When you pray, is there a clutter in the corner? Where you pray, is there room to enter? Though these may seem like small matters, our God is a God of order and cannot dwell where the atmosphere is unclean.
Cleanliness of the Soul
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
I remember my current Pastor sharing how cow milk should be stored. He clearly gave instructions saying whatever you place your cow milk in, make sure it is clean! If it happens not to be clean and you store your cow milk in that very container, your milk will turn. With that he gave the analogy of the Holy Spirit. If we are calling on the Spirit of God to enter our hearts, not to visit us, but to stay in us, we must be cleansed!! The Spirit of God cannot dwell in whats unpure. For if our hearts are unclean the Holy Spirit will not just turn, it will leave!
And all these three connect. If your desire is to keep a clean spirit daily, it will reflect in your clothing, it will reflect in your character and also in your homes. Let us not be mistaken because Ellen G White says, that this should not be carried too far because there are greater things to be fulfilled. But do not forget where the Spirit of God can and cannot dwell. And do not forget that our God is not unclean. Matter of fact, He has told us of many unclean things to stay away from because He does not allow His children to be involved with impurities. I pray that you may think this over and think about your home, your room, your clothes, but most of all, your salvation. Amen.
