A man satisfies an inherent need to fix something by tearing it apart.
Even replacing a spark plug on a lawnmower or changing a drive belt just feels good. But experience has taught me that the root of mechanical failure is often the result of dirt buildup, sawdust or residue—usually a filter or something that keeps dust and dirt from causing a problem.
And that’s boring. It’s also embarrassing.
It reminds me that I haven’t been a good steward of my equipment. So, it’s no wonder I used to have a similar perspective of my obligation to Jesus Christ who sacrificed everything in order that I might be kept clean in His sight. I considered myself to remain clean forever because He had saved me.
[What does it mean to be “saved?” see: Different fruit, same good news. [1]]
In my mind, Christianity was a maintenance-free phenomenon—a gift of the Lord’s free will, granted with nothing expected in return. For that reason, the idea of becoming His committed disciple also made no sense to me in light of the diminished obligation.
As a result, my relationship with Christ was casual, at best.
But, I’m not any different than my lawnmower in some respects. I have to be kept clean to function the way God needs for me to. Yet, I’m also the one responsible for maintaining my own dependability and faithfulness. So, I’m the only one who can set myself apart from sin.
On the other hand, there’s only One who can truly clean:
“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful… ” [Heb. 10:19-23] [my emphasis]
The hope of the apostolic authors of the New Testament was grounded in a promise. The realization of that promise was contingent upon a steadfast belief—that is, demonstrating obedience to the only One who was able to purge the wicked heart.
[Promise? What promise? see: It’s All About Also [2], Common Threads are Common [3]]
If I hope to inherit and reign with Christ in God’s Kingdom of the coming age, I need to be aware of the filth and slime attempting to build up in my life, [see: Eph. 5:5]
But then I have to act upon that understanding.
By confessing my sins to my High Priest, Jesus Christ, daily—even hourly, if necessary, I can be kept clean. Because just like my lawnmower, nothing’s gonna work like it’s supposed to until all the dirt is removed.
“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” [Heb. 10:35-36]