I drive a van. Not the most stylish way to travel, but I've learned to enjoy it. I like to take care of the vehicles I drive, so I regularly wash and wax my van, keep the inside cleaned, and have the oil changed (something I haven't learned to do, nor do I have the desire to learn).The first time I waxed the van, I met a new challenge. I'd never had such a tall vehicle. Usually, I could open a door, stand on the floorboard and reach the middle of the roof. Not with the van. I wasn't even close. I even tried standing on the seats, but I could only reach portions of the roof...and risked the probability of falling over backward. I don't mind risk, but it was easy to rationalize the risk was too great, so I decided to skip the roof. After all, who would see it?
I started waxing the rest of the van, but I kept thinking about the roof. Drat the inconvenient times God speaks to me. I could have been content to just shine what I could see...but he reminded me that's not the way he does things.
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. - Psalm 51:10 (NLT)
He doesn't leave dirty spots. He doesn't ignore the places hidden from view; those are exactly the most important ones to get and keep clean! It doesn't matter whether or not I see the top of my van. It's exposed to rain and sun more than any other area of my vehicle, so it's the last area I should ignore! I was convicted. I fetched a ladder.
What in your life... thoughts, responsibilities, interests... are slightly out of reach yet need extra protection? God's already aware, and he's willing and able to clean it all.
...So, today I started with the top. I've decided it's a spiritual discipline for me, a reminder I need to place everything in my life under his cleansing and protection. I was pretty proud of myself as I balanced on my ladder. And then I started on the lower panels. The car wash had not completely removed the summer road grime. Ugh. What would it hurt to wax over a little streak here and there?
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. - 1 John 1:9
How have you glossed over your imperfections? How did it work for you?
It never works well for me. Convicted again. Yes, it took me longer to wax the van, but I'm sure it was worth it. And I'll let you know next time I plan to wax the van, because I'm sure God will continue to teach me!
If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. - 2 Timothy 2:21
