Cleaning Up Life’s Messes

Cleaning Up Life’s Messes…

It’s interesting to reflect on that childhood rule, isn’t it? “If you make a mess, clean it up.” It seems so simple and ingrained when we’re young, yet as adults, we often find ourselves overlooking the spills in our lives, the relationships strained, the responsibilities neglected.

That principle echoes through scripture. The story of Zacchaeus beautifully illustrates this. His encounter with Jesus wasn’t just about forgiveness; it propelled him to actively right his wrongs. He didn’t just say sorry; he took tangible steps to restore what he had taken, demonstrating that God’s grace empowers us to mend the messes we’ve created. It doesn’t give us a pass; it gives us the strength to face our shortcomings and make things right.

Think about it – those moments when we’ve fallen short, when our actions have left a residue of hurt or brokenness. Perhaps it’s a harsh word spoken in anger, a promise left unkept, a duty shirked, or a relationship neglected. These are the messes in our adult lives, and just like that childhood lesson, they call for our attention and action.

Jesus’ words to the Pharisees about cleaning the inside of the cup before the outside resonate deeply here. True change, true reconciliation, begins within us. It’s about acknowledging our part in the mess and allowing God’s grace to work in our hearts, motivating us to take responsibility and seek restoration.

Heavenly Father, we come before you today, acknowledging that we haven’t always lived in a way that reflects your love and your will. We confess the times we’ve created messes, knowingly or unknowingly, in our relationships, our responsibilities, and in our service to you. Lord, we ask for your clear vision to see the areas in our lives where we need to clean up. Grant us the courage to face these messes, not with shame or fear, but with a spirit of humility and a desire to make things right. Empower us by your grace to take the necessary steps towards reconciliation, restoration, and healing. Help us to remember that your forgiveness calls us not to complacency, but to action. Show us the path forward, Lord, and give us the strength to walk it. Amen.

And to encourage us on this journey of cleaning up, let’s hold onto these powerful words:

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Today, may we all have the courage to identify the messes in our lives and, empowered by God’s grace, get busy cleaning.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼