She frantically cleaned the house. Dirty dishes were placed in the dishwasher. A quick mop of the kitchen floor picked up the crumbs. A wet cloth wiped away the toothpaste stains around the sink. My friend was cleaning the house before the cleaning people came. When I asked why, she smiled and said, “I don’t want them to think I’m a slob.”
I laughed because I understood completely. Most of us have probably done the same thing. Then it struck me. Don’t we often do that with God? We try to clean ourselves up before coming to Him. We promise to do better. We tell ourselves we’ll pray more, read the Bible more faithfully, overcome that persistent sin, and become a better person. Once we’ve made enough progress, then we’ll feel worthy enough to approach Him.
But the gospel teaches the exact opposite.
Jesus didn’t come for people who had already cleaned themselves up. He came for sinners who knew they couldn’t. The Pharisees spent their lives trying to appear clean on the outside, yet Jesus said their hearts remained unchanged. God isn’t impressed by polished appearances. He desires humble hearts that acknowledge their need for His grace.
We don’t earn His acceptance by becoming clean. We become clean because He accepts us through Christ. As we come honestly before Him, He begins the lifelong work of transforming us from the inside out.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
Bring your life to Him exactly as it is today. He already knows what needs cleaning. And He is the only One who can truly make us clean.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
#faith #trustinggod #christianity #jesuschrist #bible #seekinggodswill #truth #sanctification #godisincontrol #godhearsourprayers #salvation #providenceofGod #cleaningbeforethecleaners #1John1:9
Discover more from The Bereans Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.