“It went bad again? That’s the second time!”
For two weeks in a row, our gallon of milk went bad, a week before the printed expiration date. As I poured out the clumped globs of milk reeking with the familiar pungent odor, my mind raced through several possibilities. Perhaps the market from which I purchased it was not storing it properly or perhaps it was a bad batch? Nothing on the news or social media suggested this possibility nor was there any notification of a recall. Was there something else I was missing?
On a hunch, I placed a thermometer in our refrigerator. I soon had my answer. The temperature was too warm. The condenser was caked with dust from years of accumulation and neglect. After cleaning it, the temperature returned to an acceptably cold range, safe enough for perishable items such as milk.
Microscopic dust particles. A single particle has an insignificant effect but when it accumulates over years, it can lead to devastating consequences. I didn’t notice since the temperature rise occurred slowly over time, and then, it was too late. Sin is like this. How often do I ignore sinister incremental minute changes in my spiritual life? Too often. The resentment when someone insults me. The driver who flips me off because I am driving too slowly. Perhaps I don’t immediately react, but I let the bad feelings foment and accumulate. Like the dust particles, over time, they block and damage my spiritual life. What can I do? What can anyone do?
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Thanks be to God that His Holy Spirit continues to transform and conform me into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. The dust of my life, the sins that accumulate, are wiped clean by the power of the Resurrection. This is sanctification. I can choose to ignore God and remain an embittered and resentful old person or allow God to transform me into a new person, changing my attitude and the way I think. It is not easy and I know I cannot do it alone.
How desperately I need Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 