Clean Out the Cobwebs

I've heard it said that being organized is a great way to relieve stress.   I very much hate the process of cleaning and organizing though. And sometimes there are things that need to be done that I hide away by closing the door! But when I know there is chaos and I don't try ordering it, it seems like cobwebs start forming not only in my house, but also over my life. However, if I deal with things and get organized I automatically feel better- it's just the process is so hard...

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It reminds me of when sin starts growing in my life.  The process of dealing with that sin and removing it can sometimes be painful- okay most of the time it's painful, but sanctification is a daily process.  Every day as Christians we should be seeking more Jesus. John 3:30 says, "He must increase but I must decrease." But sadly, there are days when I focus on me more than Christ.  Sometimes, I begin to compare myself to others. Then I become jealous and I think about how I want my life to be and I try to take control.  And a lot of times I begin to complain. And if I don't recognize this attitude, this pride as sin in my life, it can take root and begin to affect all the areas of my life.  Because sin is like a cancer, it grows and grows until it consumes. And like cancer it is much better to remove the sin when it has just started before it affects more areas.  The process of acknowledgement, confession, and removal is tough though, no matter how long it's been there.  It means you have to swallow your pride. You have to admit that you are a sinner in a more specific, pointed way, by actually naming the sin. You may have to apologize for actions or words that hurt another person. And you may even have to change your lifestyle completely.

It really is a tough process, but when we are living with sin in our lives we can never have peace.  Whether it's gossiping, complaining, laziness, bitterness, gluttony or it's addiction, adultery, or not tithing- sin is sin.  And when it is unconfessed and allowed in your life, you are not in close relationship with Jesus.

"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:5-10 (ESV)

"If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell." Matthew 5:29-30 (ESV)

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." James 4:17 (ESV)

And I highly recommend you read Romans 6- the whole chapter speaks about this very thing.  Here are a few verses, but seriously read the whole thing!

"What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" Romans 6:1 & 2 (ESV)

 "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions." Romans 6:12 (ESV)

Are you walking in the light? 

Do you have fellowship with other believers?

Are you obeying sin in your life, or are you obeying God?


Cut out the sin in your life before it consumes you.  If you are a Christian, then Satan can't pluck you from the hand of Christ, BUT you can become ineffective and a hindrance.  And you will fail to give God the worship and glory that you were created to give. 

Love in Christ,

Alyson