Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Judges 1:21, “But the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; so the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.” 

Background

I recently changed desks at work. The move was not a radical change in that I moved about six feet to the desk next to mine. But there was some adjusting that went on. I now face southeast out the window instead of southwest, so the sun strikes me and my computer screen differently. File cabinets and the copier/printer are in different locations, and many things that were to my right are now to my left. However, moving that least little bit did still bring about the opportunity to go through stuff that had been sitting around and to throw out some junk. Scratch paper and irrelevant notes and even scribble drawings from the kids got tossed, making room for the next round of scratch paper, irrelevant notes, and artistic masterpieces from my kids. But there were some things that made the cut, for whatever reason. Not unlike those boxes that you may have in your garage or attic, the ones that have been moved a time or two since you needed or even looked at what was inside. They haven’t been thrown out, and may very well never be. But that doesn’t mean the opportunities haven’t been there, or won’t be in the future. 

Application

As a follower of Jesus, it would be nice if we were given a list of things to toss out and get rid of. We’re very apt at sorting things out and checking things off. But since we don’t live by a list or follow a set of rules, there is not a schedule as to what must be tossed aside and when things should look a certain way. So when a habit or a tendency latches onto us, we can oftentimes allow it to linger a bit longer than we intended, and longer than it should. It’s probably not ruining our lives or endangering our family, but it’s affecting us, and others, in ways that are less than holy. And if it is not driven out, and you know if it should be or not, it will be with you until that day. There’s no list to follow, only a relationship to enjoy. And a Savior to love. And some of that junk just isn’t worth keeping around anymore. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, consider doing spring cleaning in your soul. 

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words