“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 NKJV)
Working in his assigned group as part of an Applied Leadership class at a local university, an international student from a well-known European country diverted from the discussion on the groups assigned work. I don’t know what prompted him, but he commented, “You people in this country use too much water.” One of the members of the group, a Christian and currently working in a highly touted leadership position at a major university in a major city came back with this comment in an inquisitive manner, posed a question to promote some self-reflection on the part of the international student, “So, you keep wearing the same dirt?” There was no further discussion, and the group returned to focusing on their assignment. Time was of the essence and oral group reports would have to be presented before the end of the day’s class.
I doubt if I have to answer this question for you, from a Christian’s perspective. For I know you know that we all sin, not just all sinned in the distant path, but we all have had our failings in the present, whether in the mind or in manifested behavior. I really suspect I don’t need to tell you that like David, we need to come to the Lord, ask him to cleanse us, and then make a commitment to go forward with the commitment to serving him by work, witness, and word. Now I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of I john 1:9, do I? It says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Nevertheless, I will modify what my astute student said in response to the international student, putting in a statement, as opposed to a question, and know that it applies to wherever you live in this world, “You don’t have to keep wearing the same dirt.”
Let’s take it a step further by putting in the place of our “dirt” a definite plan to put “duty,” Christian duty, in its place. Yes, Mr. Payne (My former Physics teacher.), “Two things cannot occupy the same space at the same time.”
I you need help. Just follow David’s example in the words below. Have a tremendously committed to the climb day, a clean Tuesday. Be blessed!
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.” (Psalm 51:12-13 NKJV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King