Cleaning Out Our Closets Part 2

In my last blog, I mentioned that cleaning out our closets can be compared to cleaning out sin that can clutter our hearts. Well, ladies, just as closet cleaning can be dreaded, lengthy, and needed, so can the process of getting rid of all the junk that settles in our hearts as a result of sin issues.

Why is it dreaded?

We can become comfortable with crammed closets, spaces filled to the brim with stuff that desperately beckons our attention. We pass by it and say, “Someday, I’ll get around to cleaning it out.” “Someday” becomes our excuse for procrastination, and the task either never gets done or gets put on hold until the distant future.
I can think of us dealing with sin the same way. We have these places of clutter in our hearts, sins like gluttony, gossiping, coveting, lying, etc. and we bargain with ourselves, “Oh, one day I’ll deal with that, but not now…it’s too much work to change!” We dread the effort it takes to fully and totally surrender to the Lord the things that hold us back, those sins that easily “entangle “us. But our Helper, The Holy Spirit, is always there to help us when we cry out to Him. Remember Paul’s words in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We don’t have to dread the clean up when we yield to the Lord for guidance.

Why is it lengthy?

Just as junky closets take time to be fully cleaned out and set in order, sometimes the task of cleaning out our sin issues can linger for several days, maybe weeks, even months, and possibly years. Strongholds can be hard to break, but the Lord’s sanctification process can overcome any ungodly areas in our heart that refuse to flee. There may be life-long struggles that we endure, but God is Faithful, and one of His promises is “That He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Why is it needed?

Closets that are clean truly serve their usefulness, storing things away in a neat, orderly manner. Likewise, hearts that are swept clean of sin clutter are better able to focus on the Lord, to hear Him as He speaks from His Word, to love and help others, and to be an effective witness in a world that so desperately needs to hear His message of salvation. When Christ saved us, He already had work for us to do. According to Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” A life set free from sin clutter leads to fruitful labor for the Lord.

Yes, cleaning out sins can be dreaded, lengthy, and needed, just like cleaning out our closets. But one last thing about cleaning out sin that is so wonderful, it is a cleansing task. When we deal with sin in our lives, confessing, repenting and asking for forgiveness, the Lord will cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness! (1 John 1:9) Wow, what a promise!

So, ladies, don’t be afraid to clean out those closets, even though they can become cluttered all over again. In like manner, don’t be afraid to ask the Lord’s help in cleaning out the closet of your heart, and, guess what, this clean up job has lasting effects all the way into eternity!