Washing Away the Grime

I think about the miracle of water's cleansing ability every time I wash the dishes, do the laundry or take a shower. Can you imagine what our lives would be like if we couldn't get clean? Thankfully, Jesus made water work like it does for our physical health. It also serves as an example of how we get spiritually healthy when we wash in God's Word. Ephesians 5:25 tells us, "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy cleansing her by the washing with water through the word [emphasis mine]."

I know the word "church" bothers some people. I never went to residential schools run by churches, like many of my friends did, but I experienced the oppression of following a bad spiritual leader. Because of this, I want to share some ideas about church. There are two categories of people in the church-those who know God and those who don't. Those who don't may simply have grown up there; some may be seeking God; and others are downright evil.

God's real church is like a family; it is made up of needy babies, mischievous toddlers, energetic youth who think they know more than Dad, mature adults who are trying to educate and care for the family, and elders who urge the family to get along.

God's family needs spiritual baths in His Word so they all stay spiritually healthy. His Word, anointed by His Holy Spirit, reveals areas in our lives that need cleansing. All we have to do is repent and ask Jesus to wash away the grime. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, ESV).

The Bible tells us that we can come boldly to God's throne of grace, but I remember a time when I felt too unworthy to approach His throne. Depression hung heavy on my heart. I had too many reasons why I thought God would not want me.

One day the Lord gave me a vivid picture. I saw myself as a young girl-dirty and ragged-walking along the outside of a high wall. I came to a beautiful gate, opened it, and hesitantly went inside. I walked into a beautiful park-like estate with a variety of trees and ornate shrubs. A bunny sat along the path. A deer grazed beside a lounging lion with a glorious mane. A sense of awe and peace filled my soul. I continued down the path that led to a beautiful flower garden, and, as I approached, a man sitting in the garden turned to me with joy and love radiating from His face. He opened his arms in welcome and said, "Ah, my child," as if he had been waiting for me. I felt his love; I belonged to his family!

Days later I began to wonder if I had made myself feel better by imagining it, but two weeks later a man handed our pastor a prophetic message to share with God's family. I pass this on to you so you can be as encouraged as I was. He said:

You walk apprehensively up to the gate. It is unlatched-no lock upon it. You just have to pull on it and it will open to you. On the other side of the gate you will be in the presence of the Lord, our merciful High Priest.

But because of your shame, this strong sense of shame and all the thoughts that go with it-how you lived your day, your week, your life; the choices that you've made-you stop and don't go forward. You hesitate for a moment, then turn around and walk away.

Have you not heard or have you forgotten that "it is in Him and through faith in Him that we may approach God with freedom and confidence" (Ephesians 3:12, NIV)?

You have listened to the whisperer, the one who separates chief friends. You have forgotten the words of our Lord that say, "Come to me, all you who are burdened and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Turn back and receive that rest; receive that peace; receive that forgiveness, and receive His strength.

Sue Carlisle grew up on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. An enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, her passion is to encourage people to look at creation and see our awesome Creator. Sue is author of Walking with the Creator Along the Narrow Road (2013 Indian Life Books). She and her husband, Wes, now live in Thunder Bay, Ontario.