Dirty Laundry
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt
“Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” —Isaiah 1:18
The story has been told of someone who once sent an anonymous, identical note to twenty prominent men in London. The note supposedly read, “All is discovered. Escape while you can!” The result? According to the story, all twenty men fled London because of the guilt they felt for the private sins or crimes they knew they had committed.
Most likely, we all have some kind of “dirty laundry” in our past or present that we would be extremely embarrassed about, should anyone, but perhaps the closest of friends, learn of it. Sometimes, this “dirty laundry” can stand in the way of our pursuit of following Jesus. We live as if either we’re ashamed to talk to God about our sins, or fear that He won’t love us if we admit our wrongdoing.
The Scriptures teach us to evaluate our lives: to have a realistic perspective of ourselves including the good, the bad and the ugly. As Christ-followers, we are to confess our sins, repent and do our best with God’s help to live our lives for His glory. Should we be ashamed of our sin? Absolutely! But, God’s grace is able to cover our deepest, darkest sins and once confessed and addressed – we need not flee from God’s presence or from the people in our lives.
Dirty laundry that is left to pile up stinks and doesn’t improve the longer it sits – it actually gets worse! If you are suffering under the load of hidden sins, I encourage you to address those issues as soon as possible – and experience the “clean,” the joy and freedom of forgiveness that God offers!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there any “dirty laundry” from your past, or the present, that you need to confess to God and/or address with others?
2. Will you commit to taking steps to clean your “dirty laundry” today?
FURTHER READING:
Romans 12:3; 2 Corinthians 13:5; James 4:8-10; Romans 5:15-17
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