Messy No Longer
Scrubbing. Dusting. Washing. Vacuuming. My family believes in one extra-biblical theologically sounding statement: “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Our house can get messy with three dogs and four humans. Even if you haven’t cleaned in a week, dirt and grime will slowly accumulate.
Messy Dohman, Sarah I dread the start of the entire process, but I adore the end result. Nothing beats a clean toilet and uncluttered surfaces. Even if it only lasts a few days, I admire a dust-free home. When I finish my weekly chores, something deep within my soul is triggered. I can relax knowing that I have a window of opportunity to enjoy the clean sparkle.
There’s something to be said for a clean life, just as there is for a clean house. This world is in a constant state of disarray. There is violence, natural disasters, broken families, and even ugly parts of my own heart. Can I express how grateful I am to Jesus, the fixer of broken things? Healer and Redeemer of all that is messed up and unlovable.
Jesus, my soul’s lover, lived a perfect life. He always pointed his disciples back to God the Father. And in his perfect timing, he gave up himself on the cross to put an end to all the mess and stains that separate us from God. Isn’t that amazing?
Peter, an early church father and disciple of Jesus, says,
“Therefore, being sober-minded and preparing your minds for action, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but be holy in all your conduct, as he who called you is holy, as it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father, who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, live in fear during your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but he was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who believe in God through him, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory so that your faith and hope are in God.” –1 Peter 1:13-21
Messy Sarah Dohman (2) “Ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers,” the Bible says. Our uncleanness, our separation from God, was and continues to be multi-generational. This is a never-ending cycle of sin that can only be broken by Jesus’ perfect blood. All are defeated by Jesus’ death and resurrection. He cleans up the mess that is in our hearts. We are not required to clean ourselves up every time we come to God, but we can be confident that Jesus completed the work that ensures our holiness. He washed us with His blood, which washed away all filth.
As the world aches and our hearts grow faint, I thank God for his son. His spotless, pure, and holy son. Who looks at my mess and says, “I still love you.” Let us not waste time scrubbing ourselves clean. It’s exhausting and pointless. Instead, let us kneel at the feet of the One who loves us even when we are at our worst. Jesus can and will always be able to take our chaotic lives and transform them into something beautiful.
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Sarah Dohman is a nurse, kayak enthusiast, coffee addict, microbrew enthusiast, globe trotter, and friend and family adorer. She enjoys doughnuts, runs 5k races, and can’t get enough tea and books. She prefers writing to talking (and she talks a lot), frequents Target, and is enjoying life in her thirties. She believes God has called her to this space to bring joy and encouragement to friends and family near and far through words. More from Sarah can be found on her blog or on Twitter.
