Clean house . . . that’s what we do at some point on most Sunday afternoons. Why? Because our bible study group meets at our place early Sunday evenings. Yeah, but that doesn’t really answer the question . . . all we really need to do to host the bible study group is to open the door when they arrive . . . so why tidy up before they get there? I’m guessing at least a couple of things are at play . . . first, there’s something about putting forward your best foot — not about being fake, not about trying to impress, but about presenting in the manner in which you want to be seen. But, I also think there’s is something about wanting our guests to know that we’re honored to host them . . . that we want them to know that we have anticipated their coming and made a bit of preparation for them. In one way, it’s a means of saying, “Welcome. We’ve been expecting you. We’re glad you’re here.” So why am I thinking about cleaning house? It’s something I read this morning in 2Corinthians:

“For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people. . . . I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.’ Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” — 2Cor. 6:16-7:1

Paul reminds these believers that they are God’s sanctuary . . . His Holy Place . . . His Holy of Holies . . . that earthly residence in which He desires to dwell. God, through His Holy Spirit, has moved in . . . determining to house His glory in the temple of people . . . those bought with the blood of Christ. His desire and His promise is that He will dwell in us . . . that He will walk among us . . . that He will be to us a Father . . . that He will adopt us as sons and daughters. These are the great and precious promises of God. And so, says Paul, in light of these great truths, be sure to clean house.

We need to “tidy up” every so often. Assuming we are not living in open rebellion and pre-meditated disobedience . . . assuming that we wake up every morning wanting to walk in a manner worthy of our calling . . . I think we still need to look around the old place every once in awhile with a sanctified eye and do a bit of clean up. For me, at least, it can be kind of easy to get used to living with the clutter . . . to kick some of the dust under the carpet and forget about it . . . to hide stuff behind other stuff so that it’s “outta’ sight outta’ mind.”

But really, it’s not my house . . . it is the Residence of God . . . the place He desires to dwell . . . the venue where He seeks to make known His presence. And there’s something about clutter . . . and junk . . . and filth . . . that impedes His ability to feel welcome . . . the sends a wrong message about how honored I am to have been chosen to be part of His special people . . . that welcomes Him to “my home”.

It’s not that I’m trying to self-manufacture holiness . . . not that I’m trying to merit His presence by how clean I can make things . . . no, it’s only by the blood of Christ and through faith in His Son’s work on the cross that this house which was “condemned” has been given an “occupancy permit” for the God of Grace. So while it’s not about tidying up so that I merit His presence . . . it is about making the effort, as much as lies within me, to do my part in cleaning house. He transforms the house . . . mine is to keep the dirt out . . . to throw out the junk . . . to seek to present His dwelling place to Him without clutter . . . in a state that says, “I care that You want to live here. I want to welcome You with Your grace enabled holiness. I want You to know that Your Presence is desired and honored and I will do what I am able to, in order to convey my heart’s longing for You to be here.”

Cleaning house . . . driven by a desire for the presence of God . . . enabled by the grace of God . . . undertaken for the glory of God . . . amen!