Washed Clean

"What! Do you not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor erers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God’s kingdom. And yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean, but you have been sanctified, but you have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Washed clean. I think we all have heard this phrase over and over again in Church or Sunday School as a clear reference to our salvation and redemption, of having our sins "washed away" or "washed white as snow". But do we understand that once we have been "washed", that isn't the end of the line? Life only gets harder after we have been washed clean. Christ expects us to live for Him, and Him alone even after we have repented and been forgiven. We shouldn't just keep on living the way we want to every time we are forgiven. Being washed free of our sins isn't like a pit stop or weekly tune-up. It serves as a reminder to strive for better living. Living that reflects a life dedicated to Christ.

The apostle Paul laid it out clearly in Romans 12:1-2: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world [don't mix in anything worldly], but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." I believe our personal habits settle down very quickly into how we live. And believe it, God knows. If your life pleases Him, then you're like a fragrant offering rising up to His nose. He breathes in your sacrifice. He receives your life as pure worship. So where do you stand on this issue of purity? "Well, I'm kind of new in the Lord, and I have some habits." Well, great! Now you know, and you can break them and continue to get free in Christ. You say, "Well, I used to be there, but I've kind of lowered my guard a little bit." Okay - raise it again! Let's be done with anything not fitting God's called-out ones. Holiness and Righteousness means no more games.

Nothing tastes as sweet or smells as fragrant to God as a pure life. If you are willing for God to change yourself and your lifestyle, then get ready to taste and see His goodness as He directs your life to pure living. Life mixed with any of the world's ingredients will never satisfy again. No matter where you are, start today. Start living a life that extends beyond being washed clean.