Before and After
"And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the
Spirit of our God."
1 Corinthians 6:11
Spring is just around the corner. On nice days my attention is drawn to the backyard and all the work that needs to be done. And I don't just mean the garden beds. Every winter our back patio develops a layer of the most disgusting filth imaginable. Some years (picture from last year above) are worse than others. It always requires the serious help of a pressure washer and 1800 PSI's of cleaning power to uncover the bricks true beauty. If those stones could talk would they rejoice or cry out in terror when they see us coming with nozzle in hand? I wonder. All I know is that I need a good washing from the muck that develops in my heart and mind on a daily basis, sometimes before I drink my morning coffee! I'm glad that the Lord is up for the challenge as He comes at me with the sanctifying power of His Holy Spirit to forgive and cleanse me from all unrighteousness according to 1 John 1:9. Sometimes I rejoice and other times it hurts to be scrubbed clean, but in the end I trust it is necessary in order to uncover and reveal the hidden beauty of my new nature just waiting to be revealed.
Colossians 3:10-17 says that my new self is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the One who created me. My new nature (holy, sanctified and made right with God) is made for beauty. Before—I am covered by a layer of sinful gunk: I'm anxious, angry, vindictive, full of envy or self-pity. After—I am renewed: at peace, humbled, kindhearted, compassionate, and grateful.
Beauty never looked or felt so good. Look out patio. You are on my to-do list.
