Clean up the spirit around the periphery

The property where our parsonage is located has a large yard, bordered by trees and tall grass. We keep the yard looking good by mowing, trimming, and picking up debris. However, the condition of the property beyond the tall grass and trees is another story.

Outside the edge of our yard, hidden by the woods and grass, are a number of items discarded by people who once owned the land. Every spring I think about cleaning it up, but change my mind by rationalizing:

1. The stuff does not bother me, so why mess with it.

2. It will require a lot of work.

3. There are some things there that I might want in the future.

4. If I clean everything up, my yard will enlarge, creating more work.

5. They are hidden so why worry with them.

I find these excuses work with the peripheral areas of my spiritual life as well. Every time I think about my sinful nature, I overcome any desire of removing it by reflecting on my yard excuses.

However, the difference between my yard and my spiritual life is ownership. The church owns the yard, but God owns me. He does not allow things to be hidden, He demands them removed; even my sinful nature. He provides the ability if I am willing to become involved in the task. I need not hide behind the brush of my excuses. The job can actually be done.

So what are you doing with your life’s periphery?

Pastor Mark Holmes is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church and has served the Darrow Road Wesleyan Church since 1997.

Tags: community, church, religion