Spiritual Blemishes

These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14b (NWT)

Distressed to see grease spots still on the front of it, I ironed my blouse. I had sprayed the spots with pre-wash before putting it in the washer, but the spots were still there. As I ironed, it occurred to me that the spots were like my soul, marked by human imperfection and sinfulness. The next time I do laundry, I will try another pre-wash and let the blouse sit for a while.

I used to wear bib-aprons when I cooked. I think it would be wise for me to go back to that practice of protecting the front of my clothing. Like that apron, God protects me from the world of sin around me. Jesus represents the cleansing power that, through His blood, washes the dirt and grease of sin from my soul. With help, my spiritual laundry is guaranteed to be whiter than snow.

Thinking on these things, I am reminded of Ephesians 6:11 which says to put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil. The best way I can do that is to read my Bible daily so I can prepare for whatever soil I have to wash out of my day. And I'll thank God for His Son, who has cleansed me of all unrighteousness.

Dear Father, we children sometimes err and get our spiritual clothing spotted. Open our eyes to our mistakes so we may ask Your forgiveness through the cleansing blood of Jesus, our Savior. Amen

(c) 2011 E. Bonnie Ryan