It’s time to do some spiritual spring cleaning

By PHIL LYONS, pastor of Restoration Church
For the Daily Times

GLASGOW May 09, 2008 05:15 pm

— When we are doing our spring cleaning each year, we are a little more likely to be willing to discard things that have been around for too long, that have been taking up badly needed space around the house. For us sentimental people, we usually just move those things to the basement or attic rather than giving them away or trashing them, and then we forget all about them until we discover them years later, ruined and worthless.
From a Christian standpoint, it would be great if we took some time on a regular basis to clean out, get rid of, discard and be willing to give up the things that have accumulated in our lives that are not needed or useful or beneficial to our Christian life. Things can gradually get woven into our lives before we are aware of it, just by living in this sinful world and by getting too chummy with the things of this world. Before we know it, non-productive, carnal and even destructive things surface in our lives and we don’t want to give it up because it’s now a part of our lifestyle.
In Hebrews chapter 12, we are told to lay aside every weight and the sin that has so easily beset us, so we can run this race without having bowling balls chained to us. There are things in our lives that may not be a sin, but there are things that are weights and hindrances and burdens to us, even though our carnal flesh may like them and be addicted to them. A lot of things in people’s lives are simply time thieves that consume their fellowship and relationship with God.
In the same way that what we eat and how much we eat begins to determine our appetite and desires, the things we allow in our lives begin to determine our desires and pursuits. We must purpose to do away with thoughts, words, pursuits and behavior that is not profitable to our Christian life.
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, we are told that even though things may be permissible, everything is not beneficial and helpful to our Christian life. In Romans chapter 8, we are told that a carnal, flesh-ruled lifestyle is enmity with God and prevents the Spirit from controlling our lives. What power and victory is ours when we choose to please God rather than ourselves.
God’s formula for revival and an outpouring of His Spirit is and always has been:
If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear their prayer, forgive their sin, and heal their land (2 Chronincles 7:14).