In the March 2014 Truth Pursuer, we compared sinful hearts to messy rooms. Thankfully, God gives us lots of great heart-cleaning tips in His Word:
1. Don’t hide the mess. Examine your heart with the light of God’s truth.
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.” —Hebrews 4:12
“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” —Psalm 119:105
2. Throw out trashy habits and rotten attitudes.
“I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” —1 Corinthians 9:27
“Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men.” —Ephesians 6:7
3. Put your priorities in the proper order, with God first of all.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.” —Luke 10:27
“Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” —1 John 5:21
4. Give up “childish things” that no longer fit the faith you’ve grown into.
“Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.” —Hebrews 5:13-14
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” —2 Peter 3:18
5. Sweep away temptation. Don’t let it grow unnoticed, like a cobweb in the corner.
“Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.” —Proverbs 4:23
“Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” —Galatians 5:16
6. If you walk through the mud, you’re going to stain the carpet. Be careful which movies, TV shows, video games, etc. you expose your heart to.
“I will not set anything worthless before my eyes.” —Psalm 101:3
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” —Romans 12:2
7. Check under the bed for “hidden sins” you don’t even realize you’ve been committing.
“Reveal to me my transgression and sin.” —Job 13:23
“For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known and come to light.” —Luke 8:17
8. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins. He is the only one who can make your heart truly clean.
“God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:9
