Still half asleep, I gradually found my way to the bathroom to begin my morning routine. Grabbing my toothbrush, I coated it with toothpaste and sat down on the edge of the bathtub. Because I don’t normally sit and brush my teeth, my position afforded me a new perspective of the bathroom sink. Previously hidden from view by the faucet’s spout, a fine layer of unidentifiable matter coated the edge where the faucet met the white porcelain. I realized my “working mom” style of cleaning needed some modifications.
Like the unseen grime on a sink, sin thrives in places beyond the view of others. So when we wage war against spiritual enemies, we need help. For our hearts can deceive us (Jeremiah 17:9). Surrounding ourselves with godly people who can speak the wisdom of God’s Word into our lives heightens our advantage in the battle (Proverbs 24:6). When we withhold information or spin the truth to make ourselves look good, however, the good counsel we receive can become sullied. Before long, one speck of grime adds to another until our hearts become a musty grave of hidden thoughts and desires.
Sadly, in the past I’ve whitewashed the tomb of my heart by pushing undesirable responses below others’ perceptions. Then, not so strangely, I’ve wondered why I felt like I could never be good enough. I hadn’t yet learned that coating the outside doesn’t change the heart. Dressed in layers of self-righteousness, I was naked and blind (Revelation 3:17-18)—desperately needing God’s perspective.
True godliness demands the demolition of any manmade construction. Exposing our failings is never easy in the moment; but when we live from the inside out, life becomes real. And our perspective becomes a great deal more accurate.
More:
• Psalm 51:6,10
• Ezekiel 11:19
• Matthew 5:8
Next:
In what ways have you tried to control what others think of you? What excuses have you used to keep from being transparent with others? What area in your heart do you desire for God to purify?
fieldlily on October 12, 2010 at 7:00 am
This is so true. A friend of mine called it surface cleaning as opposed to deep cleaning or spring cleaning. It makes me think of when we are expecting company and we do a quick clean up and hide all our “clutter” upstairs to present good face to others. We do this in our lives too, we hide attitudes, resentments and anger from others because we want them to see us differently. In the mean time these hidden things build up inside to fester and make us sick. A piece of fruit can look beautiful on the outside but it only takes one bad spot to become rotten on the inside.
Thank you for this perspective.
FrankDMoore on October 12, 2010 at 2:29 pm
It is so easy to get complacent with one view. God is so gracious and sometimies He has to take us to a place where we can see things differently. Sometimes its scary to be taken up so high, or its frightening to look up and see how far you’ve fallen. But through it all God is still there with you.
lindagma on October 12, 2010 at 7:39 am
Amen and Amen… and like the different view from the bathtub… it’s easily overlooked. You believe you are moving along nicely until you get a different view. Thank you for that.
tony rodriguez on October 12, 2010 at 1:06 pm
THANKS FOR THE REMINDER OF A DIFFERENT VIEW. I’M REMINDED OF REVELATIONS 3:20 WE LET THE LORD IN BUT WE SOMETIMES WANT TO KEEP HIM IN THE DINING ROOM. DON’T GO IN MY MESSY BEDROOM, OR THE BASEMENT OR THE KITCHEN WITH ALL THE UNDONE DISHES. STAY RIGHT HERE. LORD FORGIVE ME FOR TRYING TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AREAS OF MY LIFE I GIVE TO YOU. WASH ME ALL CLEAN ME ALL AND THEN I CAN REFLECT YOU IN ALL AREAS OF MY LIFE. IN JESUS’ NAME AND FOR HIS GLORY AMEN AND AMEN