by Deborah Towles
Synopsis: Perhaps we live in the most clean-conscious age in history; yet, our need for cleansing goes far beyond personal hygiene.
What woman reading this has not occasionally been overwhelmed in the unending battle against dirt? It is the cast-off, decaying refuse of physical living, a breeding ground for disease and further death. Because dirt is so common, we may either weary in the fight against it or grow too comfortable with its presence. Complacency toward its dangers can put our families at risk. It is also possible to become obsessive in our concern for physical cleanliness and lose sight of other pressing needs. This constant, tedious labor against dirt/germs provides an opportunity to understand and teach the greater necessity and blessings of spiritual cleanliness to our children.
The need to remove dirt is not new. Familiar biblical instances of bathing include Pharaoh's daughter (Exod. 2:5), Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11:2), and Joseph facing his brothers (Gen. 43:31). Infants were washed at their birth (Ezek. 16:4), bodies were washed in preparation for burial (Acts 9:37), and guests' feet were cleansed before meals (Gen. 18:4). Though other cultures may have practiced some level of cleanliness, for the Hebrews it was common.
God meant for His people to value cleanliness. Ceremonial cleansings allowed a people stained with sin to come before a Holy God (Exod. 19:10-14; 40:10-13). These outward requirements should have prepared God's people to understand the far greater need for inner cleansing that removes the putrid stains of death from the hearts of sinful men (James 1:13-15; Ps. 51:1-12). In the days of Jeremiah, His people washed with lye (a strong cleansing agent), but the stain of their iniquity was not removed. Their hearts needed to be washed from evil to be truly clean (Jer. 2:22; 4:14). Pharisees of Jesus' day were severely rebuked because they were more concerned with outward cleanliness than inner corruption (Matt. 15:2; 23:25-28).
We live in the most clean-conscious age in history, understanding that clean habits promote and protect physical health. Yet, our need for spiritual cleansing goes far beyond personal hygiene. No human effort can purify guilt-stained hearts. Only one agent can wash away the filthy contamination of evil, the blood of the sinless Son of God (Isa. 1:18; Rev.1:5) applied during and after our baptism (Acts 22:16; 1 John 1:9). What joyful exhilaration belongs to the one so cleansed (Acts 8:39)!
Clean, unstained, white clothing is symbolic of joy and purity (the freedom from contamination of sin). Those prepared to enter the presence of God are thus clothed (Mal. 3:2-4; Ps. 29:1-2). At His transfiguration, Jesus' "garments became radiant and exceedingly white as no launderer on earth can whiten them" (Mark 9:3). Was this a demonstration of the glory of clean clothing or of the glorious purity of the One who wore them (Heb. 7:26-28)? Christ's glory will be evident in us as we are clothed with Him (Gal. 3:27), and as our pure hearts become His dwelling place (Eph. 3:17-19). The joy of such cleanness should not be hidden or under-valued.
We must avoid the pharisaic obsession with externals, washing the outside of the cup, while leaving the inside filthy (Matt. 23:25-26). We should also resist relegating the task of cleanliness to a hopeless battle, long lost. For in it opportunities arise to teach, by example and word, the diligence and attention necessary to "cleanse ourselves from all defilement of the flesh and spirit" (2 Cor. 7:1). True joy belongs to those who, through God's mercy, walk in purity of heart, as if in white garments, unsoiled and kept until the time of Jesus' coming and beyond (Rev. 3:4-5; 7:12-16)!
If asked, children may say it is more fun getting dirty than clean. But if you have ever seen a child escape from the drying process to run through the house in the sheer joyful exhilaration of cleanliness, then you may doubt that claim! God bless you in your efforts to teach the value of and constant joy belonging to those truly clean.
Author Bio: Deborah Towles is the wife of Gale Towles who preaches for the State Line church of Christ in Charlotte, NC. Last June, they celebrated their 41st anniversary. Gale and Deborah have four children and nineteen grandchildren. She can be reached at deboraht@carolina.rr.com.
