One night several years ago, while on our way home, my young daughter wanted to know if she had to take a bath when we got home. She told me, “I don’t actually like baths. I like to be clean but I don’t like baths.” It was one of those rare moments when you actually do laugh out loud. I am sure she expressed the feelings of many children down through the ages. Over the years, many parents have experienced the joy of trying to convince young children they need to bathe.
The truth is that many of us find ourselves sympathizing with my young daughter more than we care to admit. We like to be clean but we don’t actually like the bathing part. However, it isn’t the water and soap kind of cleaning that bothers us; it is a much deeper cleaning that we don’t actually like to endure. I’m talking about the cleaning that the Holy Spirit does in our hearts and lives. This kind of cleaning can sometimes be difficult to endure.
When Jesus saves our soul we are forgiven and transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of work to be done to transform us into a beautiful image of Him. The Holy Spirit often has a lot of cleaning to do. If we want to be the Christian that God has called us to be, it is vital that we learn to submit to this cleansing, this bathing from the Holy Spirit. We must allow Him to do the work that needs to be done.
Like my daughter said, the bathing part may not be much fun, but it sure feels nice to be clean. It may hurt and we may have to let go of some things that aren’t good for us, but if we allow the Holy Spirit full access and control it will be worth it. God knows what is best for us and He knows that we need a good bath to help us feel better and wash away some of the dirt left clinging to us. And if we will let Him work, we will be better for it.
He who covers his sin will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13 (NKJV)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Katrina Douglas
