Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May 1/57

Contributor - Rev. R. Van Farowe

Title - Spiritual House Cleaning

Topic - Renewal

"That ye put off - the old man - and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that ye put on the new man." Ephesians 4:22-24

In the springtime one can see newness Of life everywhere. When one looks at the fields, at the trees, and at flowers one sees changing colours and sure growth. One thinks of God's promise to Noah, "While the earth remaineth seedtime and harvest - shall not cease." Surely, God is faithful.

Yes, there is a renewing of the face of the earth in this time of year. At this time of year, also, most families try to do some spring house cleaning. It is a natural time of the year to clean the house, as windows can be open, and nature itself is being cleansed and renewed.

Paul speaks of a spiritual house cleaning. He tells us in this text that the Christian should put off old habits and sins, and should put on new and better habits. He says the Christian has "learned Christ", and that one of the lessons in Christ's school is that Christians should 'put off' old lusts and corrupt things, and should 'put on' new habits.

He goes on to explain that the Christian should put away lying and speak the truth. What a house cleaning some Christians would have if they swept out all gossip, lies, and half truths! What a 'new look' our souls would show, if truth were always our garment!

Paul also says a good spiritual house cleaning would result if we stopped stealing and started stewardship. He says, "Let him that stole steal no more, but rather let him labour - that he may have to give to him that needeth." Perhaps we think we don't steal, but how little do we thankfully work that we might share our blessings with others.

The same is true, as Paul also reminds us, about "corrupt words out of our mouths." We should speak good things so that we may edify others, and may minister grace to the hearers. Have you used a spiritual tooth paste or mouth wash lately? And what about "bitterness" and "wrath" and "evil speaking"?

Let us 'Put off' these things which were so true of us before we gave our hearts to Christ, and 'put on' a tender heart, and a forgiving spirit, always remembering that "God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

So, as we wash the windows this spring, let us pray God to, wash our soul's windows too, and may those windows always be opened toward God, as Daniel's were. As we dust and scrub and polish let us also pray God for a clean heart ""Clean up, paint up, fix up, this spring" say the town merchants. And the Bible says, if any man is in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away, all things are become new."

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