Ever try cleaning a crystal glass with a dirty cloth?
Ever try using the vacuum when the bag was full?
Ever try understanding why you just can’t seem to clear out the clutter?
“The Levites, too, purified themselves from sin and washed their clothes; and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the LORD. Aaron also made atonement for them to cleanse them”.
-Numbers 8:21
In the book of Numbers, God gives specific instructions to Moses regarding the ceremonially cleaning process.
The Lord said to Moses: “Take the Levites from among all the Israelites and make them ceremonially clean. To purify them, do this: Sprinkle the water of cleansing on them; then have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes. And so they will purify themselves… … You are to bring the Levites before the Lord, and the Israelites are to lay their hands on them. Aaron is to present the Levites before the Lord as a wave offering from the Israelites, so that they may be ready to do the work of the Lord. … After you have purified the Levites and presented them as a wave offering, they are to come to do their work at the tent of meeting”.
-Numbers 5-15
Prior to cleansing the temple, the Levites had to go though a purification process, then, God’s tabernacle was cleansed with water, oil and blood. In this cleaning process, the tabernacle became sanctified. This sanctification was not a one-time event; this was a process. This process ended with the sacrifice of our Lord on the cross.
In other words, one cannot clean or purify something with something that is defiled or dirty. But how does this relate to our homes and our attempts to get organized? Simply stated, relying on our own ideas, devices or logical thinking as an effort to restore the area is like cleaning the crystal with a soiled rag. To truly make a difference, we must become sanctified and cleansed from the inside out, and this process is not by our own attempts, but a deep cleansing work of the Holy Spirit. Nothing ever really changes unless our thoughts change. Oh sure, your space may look organized for a season, or a week or two, but somehow clutter always seems to creep back. We cannot put new wine into old wineskins. We must discard the old and start with the new. True transformation of a space is not found IN the space, but in YOU! The space is a reflector mind and heart attitudes. This transformation process isthe work of the Holy Spirit in your life and is reflected by your Christ-like nature. When you allow the Holy Sprit to work through you, you become the sanctified instrument.
This autumn season is a wonderful time of year to begin fresh. Restoring order now before the Christmas season is upon us, may bring new meaning and purpose. My prayer is that before you begin your organizing process, that the Holy Sprit will work His sanctification and cleansing process IN you before you begin to cleans your home.
