For we are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said: I will dwell among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people. Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, dear friends, since we have such promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, completing our sanctification in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1
My words…
Praise
Paul presents a good point here. If we are to exist in Your presence – walking with You, praising You, sharing You – the least we can do is clean up first. Just as I wouldn’t show up to a wedding wearing my sweaty gym clothes, so I shouldn’t come before You with an unclean spirit. You promised to be my God, to be a heavenly Father to me. There is no promise in all of creation more precious. It’s a promise worthy of a heartfelt response – a purification of my flesh and spirit.
Prayer for me
There are toxins at work in my spirit. Some I recognize as poisonous, like the fading joy of walking in Your way or the exasperation that accompanies waiting on an answer from You. But there are other toxins I don’t see (or don’t want to see). Shine a light on the places in need of a refreshing detox. And give me the desire to want to do so.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I recognize the gunk in my spirit and decide to leave it there. It’s the easy way out, but it’s also the most insulting to You. How dare I bring gunk in the presence of pure, perfect, and holy radiance?
Thank You
You seem to enjoy making promises – promises with backbone. They are life-giving and life-altering. And the best part? You never go back on a promise. You do what You say You’re going to do. Thank You because I fear I don’t make it easy for You.
More praise
As much as I strive to completely cleanse my spirit and flesh, I always miss a spot (or ten). But this I know: You don’t hold that against me. Jesus, You took care of that.
