The Holy Spirit can speak to us at the most unexpected times and in the strangest ways.

Recently, this happened while cleaning my shower floor. (I can explain.) If you’re anything like

me, you enjoy having a clean and tidy home, but some weeks are crazier than others, causing

us to put off some of the regular cleaning tasks. Whatever the reason (or excuse!), we may find

ourselves lowering our expectations, perfectly content with things being “clean enough.”

Evidently, I had allowed this to happen with my shower. However, the problem with my “clean

enough” shower became evident last week when I turned on an overhead light that I seldom

use. What I thought was a mostly clean and tidy shower was, in fact, quite a mess of soap scum

and water stains! Embarrassed, I immediately got out my scrubber and went to work.

At that moment, the Lord reminded me of a spiritual truth. What looks “clean enough” in the dim

light of our understanding is exposed for what it truly is in the light of His holiness! We may feel

that, compared to most, our lives look pretty tidy. We can often be content with our appearance

of godliness when, in actuality, our hearts are far from Him.

The Bible tells us, We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous

deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6a NLT). The truth is there is nothing we

can do in our power and might to make ourselves “clean enough” before a holy and righteous

God—but there is good news!

When we trust in what Christ has done for us, we are gifted His righteousness and have the

hope of eternal life. In Titus 3:5-7 we read that he saved us, not because of the righteous

things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new

birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us

through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and

gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

Through Christ, our gracious, loving, and merciful Father has made a way for us to be clean and

brought near to Him—praise be to God! So, let’s shine brightly for Him in a lost and broken

world that desperately needs to know this good news!

By Jessica Fox

Jessica is an early childhood teacher and pastor’s wife. She and Travis have been married for

23 years and attend IBC at Armstrong Mill with their children, Kaleb, Journey, and Sadie.