Friday, September 16, 2016

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness!





We have a great high priest who is in charge of God's house.  So let's come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let's keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water.

Hebrews 10: 21 - 22

There is an old saying, that for many years I thought came from men’s imagination, but here I find it in these verses in Hebrews 10.  The saying was “Cleanliness is next to Godliness!”  I thought it was just a way of convincing small children how important it is to stay clean!  But there it is in the Bible.  “Let's keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water.”

I quickly searched a number of Bible translations to see if  “bodies washed with clean water” was translated differently.  It was not.  Some have said that it is referring to the ceremonial washing of the Priest, and others say it is talking about baptism.  Of course, those things may be true, but it is also clearly saying that along with a pure heart and a clear conscience we should keep our bodies clean!  

Most people understand the need to keep their bodies clean, but we must not forget the very serious need for a pure heart and a conscience that is free from evil as well.  When someone never washes his body the odor becomes offensive to everyone they encounter.  When your heart is not pure and your conscience is not clear your “spiritual odor” is offensive to God!  Don’t neglect washing your body, but also pay close attention to the condition of your heart and your conscience!

“Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me that I need a pure heart and a clear conscience as well as a clean body!  May You Jesus, be praised forever.  Amen.”



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