Keeping It Clean
Scripture Reading — Psalm 51; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.
When we sin, we might try to cover it up, but God knows all about it, so there’s no use trying to hide. Cover-up makes for an unhealthy life. Confession is good for the soul.
Anyone who admits to the addictive power of sin also hungers for the cleansing of forgiveness, for the innocence that was, for wholeness of body and soul. And for that we must return home, come back into God’s cleansing presence by the grace of Jesus Christ. He was tempted like us, but did not sin. Chastity, like charity, begins at home.
In God’s presence we learn that our bodies are temples of the purifying Holy Spirit, who brings the groans of our pressing uncleanness before God’s throne. And God says, “You are clean, for Jesus’ sake.”
Centered in God’s forgiving love, we continue to walk with him. We’re not innocent of our passions and desires, but we are purified by grace and dazed by amazing forgiveness. We’ve been cleansed by the work of Jesus, who paid with his life to save us, body and soul.
But work remains, for Lady Folly never stops inviting us to enjoy stolen sweets. She hopes we’ll forget that her doors lead to death (Proverbs 9:13-18). She’s persistent, but no match for God’s cleansing Spirit. Because we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we can turn away from temptation and continue to be cleansed from every defilement of body and soul.
Create in me, O God, a clean heart, and may my spirit and body be at home with you. Amen.
About the author — Arie C. Leder
Dr. Arie C. Leder is the Martin J. Wyngaarden Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously served as pastor at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church, Trenton, Ontario, and with Christian Reformed World Missions in Latin America. He teaches courses on the Pentateuch and on historical books of the Old Testament.
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