Clearing Away the Clutter

Grace Notes-column
How many of us go through life carrying habits, attitudes, and memories, like baggage? 'Clutter' comes in many forms. Past wrongs, and misdeeds we'd like to make amends for. Or, the 'clutter' of old papers, trash and junk mail. If we were to think abut it, the changes that come abruptly into our lives through death, divorce, circumstances, environment or other causes could also be considered 'clutter'.
All concept of waiting has been virtually eliminated from society's culture. We live in an instant, 'I want it now' mindset where everything at every turn must be accomplished immediately. From fast food restaurants to drive-thru grocery stores 'clutter' fills our lives.
As part of the creative process, a writer or an artist will methodically clear a space, wash dishes or remove obstacles from his/her way in preparation for beginning a project.
That is the same way we tend to treat God. We believe if we clean up our lives first we can then approach Him as an equal, not as someone who needs a Savior to clean him/her of sin.
To rid ourselves of all the 'clutter' in our lives we must first recognize there is nothing we can do on our own merits to accomplish this. It can only happen when we accept the 'hand up' offered by God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Through Christ's death, burial and resurrection we have access to God "by grace [we] have been saved through faith; and that not of [our] selves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, NASB)
Clearing the 'clutter' this way, is an act not only of faith but of surrender as well. When we surrender our lives (dirty, unkempt, marginally clean or spotlessly perceived), to Christ He will work (moment by moment, hour by hour or day by day) to teach us how to live better.
Just as an artist or writer works in conjunction with an editor or an agent to polish and refine their skills, so Jesus will cleanse, polish and refine us. One mess at a time. This transformation isn't instant or immediate but a life-long sifting process to eliminate the baggage of old habits, problems and/or negative influences that hinder our growth to full maturity.
The most important thing God wants us to remember as we persevere through life: Hope is always available if we look up and reach out to take hold of it.

Come Walk With Me Through Life's Journey
From the dark recessed corners of my mind
they came, like specters, one memory at a time.
Taunting, tormenting and accusing me
of failures, mistakes I'd made, like chains dragging me down eternally.
Grim reminders of a scarred and battered soul
that longed to be clean and whole.
As I huddled in fright,
suddenly I was bathed in iridescent white light
and a voice called to me,"My Child, come here
there is no need to cower in fear.
When I died on Calvary's tree
it was humanity's face I saw before Me.
I gave My life in sacrifice
so you would have the Gift of Eternal Life!
These specters of your past have no power over you
for My Blood covers you."
When understanding dawned
I knew then that all along
God had been there
and I was safely in His care.
He will walk with me hand in hand
as together we faced life's demands
and I would grow in His Grace
as He stretched my faith.
I lift my voice to sing,
Thank you Jesus, you are Lord of Lords and King of Kings!"

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie

Written on:
January 7, 2005