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< Back to Strength for Your Spirit
Stains on the Carpet of Your Heart"Come now let us reason together," says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool." Isaiah 1:18 (NASB)
The Incident
Recently, I had the unfortunate accident of knocking over a cup of a red drink onto our table. While scrambling for paper towels to clean it up, I experienced the horror of seeing it flow down on to my cream-colored carpet. It made two very unsightly spots on the carpet, each about six inches long. I quickly sprayed it with an organic cleaner and after a few minutes I put organic laundry detergent on it. The color began to spread. As I began to rub the laundry detergent into the spots, to my relief the color began to lift off the carpet and disappear.
I knew, however, that if I did not rinse it with water, the residue would remain and leave the carpet slightly discolored and possibly work its way back down into the carpet. So, I got a basin of clear cold water and a clean light-colored sponge and I began to wipe over the spotted sections. It was like "magic." The rug came up clean. After two rinses, I could not tell that there was ever a spill on it. Actually, it looked cleaner than before! In fact, it was so clean that if it wasn't for the fact that it was under a chair and the table, I probably would have had to shampoo the whole carpet in order for the newly cleaned spot to blend in with the rest of the carpet.
The Inspiration
As I was cleaning up the spill, God reminded me of the stain that sin leaves in our lives and of His power to completely forgive and cleanse us. The red spill is like our sin whether it is actions, attitudes, unkind words, offenses, or ungodly thoughts. The spray is like the conviction of the Holy Spirit that exposes the issue as sin. The laundry detergent is like the blood of Jesus that when applied cleanses us of our sin and prevents it from taking root. The water is the word of God that totally removes the residue of the sin.
We must apply the word of God to the area of struggle. Ephesians 5:26 expresses this work of the word of God in regards to believers when it states: "that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word"(NASB). The clean sponge is the pure heart that is needed to apply the Word and the blood. We are cleansed totally, to the extent that there is no trace of it in our lives. 1 Corinthians 5:17 states, "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come"(NASB). Also 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (NASB).
Another important correlation is the necessity of me cleaning that spill up immediately before the stain had time to set. So it is with sin. Sin is falling short of God's standard. Romans 3:23 describes it as falling "short of the glory of God" (NASB). When we become aware of it, it is best to admit/confess it to God immediately, change our minds concerning it (repent) and receive His cleansing and forgiveness. He will restore us to right relationship with Him.
The Invitation
Unlike stains on carpet, though, there is no sin too great nor too old that God cannot forgive and cleanse. He loves us. He sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins so we can have a relationship with a holy God. (Romans 5:8,9; Revelation 3:20).
Is there an area in your life that the Holy Spirit has revealed as sin? God is ready to forgive you. There is no limit to His forgiveness. He will forgive you as often as you come to Him. That is the nature of mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:15,16). If you are in need of forgiveness and cleansing, you may pray this prayer:
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I admit that I have come short of Your standard of holiness by (insert your problem). I thank You that Jesus paid the debt that I owe for this sin on the cross. Thank You for forgiving me, cleansing me, and restoring me to right relationship with You. Now I thank You, Holy Spirit, for leading me to the Scriptures that will help me live in freedom from this sin (John 8:32; Psalms 119:11). I pray this in Jesus's name, Amen.
Copyright © 2008-2015 Shermaine Jones
Reader Comments...
| 2009-06-10 11:47:52 "Shermaine, What can I say...You are awesome and this article is fantastic. I was truly blessed reading it. I will share this article with our teens at Church. " - Portia |
| 2009-06-10 09:36:46 "What an awesome Women of God! Thank you for this article, it is both practical and powerful. I look forward to reading more of your articles. " - DeAnna |
| 2009-06-05 19:07:23 "Shermaine, this is a beautiful analogy of sin and forgiveness, and how we can always go to the throne of grace and obtain mercy. May God richly bless you! Love," - Sandra |
| 2009-05-06 10:05:13 "Shermaine, This is an excellent article! I was really blessed reading it! Clarence E. McPherson, PhD" - Clarence |
| 2009-05-05 17:34:21 "Shermaine,the article was such a blessing to me.It came at a time when I needed it most. I see how GOD is using you in such a special way. We need more young women like you who are not afraid nor ashamed to tell the GOOD NEWS. Please continue! Love," - Oveda |
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