Shining light on the dust
We don’t get much sun in the northern hemisphere this time of year. I hadn’t seen it in a few weeks until a couple of days ago and was almost surprised when the bright light came in my window. There’s one thing about the lack of light – my lax dusting habits are hidden. But when the sun comes out, the dust and cobwebs become all too visible and then I have to get busy.
My dust and cobwebs are a bit like the sin we all try to cover up. We like to think it’s not there, or at least there’s not much of it, but when the light of Christ shines in our hearts, we remember that deep down we won’t be completely rid of it until we’re made new in the Kingdom of God. We’ve been forgiven but we still have our human nature.
A new year is a good time to let his light shine into the corners of our hearts and minds and show us where we need to do a little housekeeping. We can’t clean up on our own, but with a little elbow grease (as Dallas Willard said, grace is not opposed to effort) and the Holy Spirit’s help and guidance, we can and must let the light show us our continuing need for repentance. Then, as John told those coming to be baptised, we can bring forth the fruit that shows our lives are different, not just dusted (Luke 3:8).
Study by Tammy Tkach
First published on 2 January 2024, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com
Tammy Tkach is the Assistant Pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA, Grace Communion International congregation. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com
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