Spring Cleaning
For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:17-19
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Insight
Springtime for people in many places around the world causes the purging of worn-out things and the renewing of such with order and freshness. This cultural phenomenon known as “spring cleaning” can be a weighty responsibility. If you’re like me, you ask, “why spring?” and do your best to bounce it to an alternate season.
Dealing with our sin sometimes takes on this mental picture. We are tempted to either avoid it altogether, rationalize why it’s OK, or do some trivial task that makes us feel a bit better but does not accomplish the whole mission. Whether we feel guilty about it or carry an ongoing burden, we get bogged down.
Today’s Scripture reveals in part that sin has been personified through the fall of Adam. Paul’s affirmations to the Romans state that we have entered a world in which we are ultimately condemned because of Adam. Our human condition is namely that we are sinners. It’s a heavy truth, and yes, tough to digest. However, the apostle also affirms the sweet, sweet counterpoint: because of Jesus, the Christ, we gain freedom and authentic life.
Spring cleaning can be burdensome. It’s often difficult, maybe painful, and sometimes downright unsightly. Same goes for our sin. We’re reluctant to face it, but it’s a problem. Although because of it we face death in our earthly lives, God offers us more. Through Christ, He presents us with the opportunity to receive grace. Through Christ, we are indeed made righteous and given eternal life. We are justified the instant we receive Jesus and let Him live in us and through us. Justification defeats condemnation and then some!
My spring cleaning includes letting go of some old tennis shoes that I’m so comfortable wearing and love. Continuing to do so with the wear and tear, however, is a hazard to me. The good news is I don’t have to go on living like this. I have some new ones on the way that will offer not just comfort and style but better longevity. Managing your heart is far more complex, but renewal is always available because of the cross. You have to receive it, though, and sometimes that entails turning loose what is short of God’s glory. Be encouraged. Grace exponentially outshines the severity of sin debt.
As we move forward from the season of celebrating His resurrection, we have to learn how to live in the shadow of the cross of Jesus Christ. In doing so, we are not shocked by sin, nor are we burdened by it. Life is infinitely more abundant through a grace that is now here.
Reflection
Assuming sin is the ultimate problem getting in the way of authentic life, how do you respond?
What sin or sin patterns might you need to let go of to renew your heart, mind, and soul? Detail how that would look in your world.
Prayer
Father God, I am forever thankful for how You demonstrated love for me on the cross, experiencing death so I, who would otherwise remain stained, might live free of my sin. I praise You for the new life You have gifted to me. I admit I don’t always live right and I’m imperfect. Please allow me to become aware of the things in my life that don’t glorify You, but to live in the shadow of the cross seeking the greater promise of Your Kingdom. Amen.
Port City writer Adam King wrote today’s devotional.
