It’s that time of year—spring cleaning—and I’m just getting started.
I decided to tackle my closet first and get rid of items that no longer fit—anger, bitterness, old grudges, pouting, worry, fear, discouragement, premature judgments, critical spirit, harsh communication, dishonesty, negative thinking, inferiority, low self-esteem.
Scripture makes it clear such things do not represent my life in Christ.
“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:8-10).
Emptying my closet made room for a whole new wardrobe!
Love, mercy, kindness, humility, faith, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, thanksgiving, compassion, goodness, godliness, self-control.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins” (2 Peter 1:3-9).
“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Colossians 3:12-16).
Why go to all this trouble cleaning closets?
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).
What shall I put on today? put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24) Click To TweetWhat shall I put on today?
“…put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14 KJV).
How about that…a perfect fit!
*Scriptures from NIV unless noted.
Have you cleaned your closet lately? Today’s a good day to start! I’d love to know how discarding old hindrances and putting on Christ-like qualities has refreshed your life. Please share this with your friends. And consider subscribing to my blog. It will arrive on Tuesdays in your inbox. Love you, friends! And I must say you look lovely all dressed up in Jesus!
© Dianne Barker 2019
2 responses to “Spring Cleaning Tops My To-Do List Today”
Dear Dianne, Thank you for the emails. I really do enjoy them, and certainly reminds
me of the things that I need to improve on with my daily walk with Christ.
I am bad to “cast” my burdens on him, but too often “reel them back in” and not really
trust him enough. Faith in him and what he did for me, and all of us, seems
to get weak at times, for me. I work on it every day –to cast my burden on him” and
leave it there.
We are truly living in “troubled times” and Satan is “roaring like a lion” all over
the world. You have blessed me by your postings and I am grateful for that.
I pray that I can be a blessing to someone today.
God bless you,
Love,
Nita
Thank you, Nita! You are a beautiful example of the Christ-filled life! You have influenced so many people, inspiring them to draw near to our sweet Lord. Living in troubled times with a roaring lion nipping at my heels, I have to fight discouragement. I’m familiar with that scenario–casting my burdens on the Lord and then picking them up again. I think most believers struggle with that. So thankful our Lord is trustworthy and always working, even when our faith seems weak. Your prayer today has been answered because you have blessed me! Love you!