39 Holy Housekeeping 4 - Keep Pests Out

Holy Housekeeping 4 - Keep Pests Out

Do you not know that your body is a house of God where the Holy Spirit lives? God gave you His Holy Spirit. Now you belong to God. You do not belong to yourselves.  God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him. -- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLV

Exterminators will affirm that the best way to keep mice, roaches, ants, mites, and termites out of our homes is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Just as prudent people seal cracks and openings in order to keep these destructive pests out, we, as Christians, ought to regularly check ourselves for gaps where sin can enter. As we discover are own vulnerabilities, it becomes imperative to quickly seal them, lest full blown sin enter. Weaknesses for drugs, alcohol, or sex are fairly easy to identify.  But, other pests are more subtle. An unhealthy desire for wealth, status, pleasure, or popularity, can infiltrate any aspect of our beings. A seemingly innocent emotion such as worry or a strong desire for comfort can be spiritually destructive. Regularly fellowshipping with other Christians, self-examination, along with daily prayer, and study of God’s Word will help to prevent sin from entering and taking root. 

But when an infestation does occur, simply vacuuming up the crumbs and washing the linens may not be enough. Sometimes, we have to call in the professionals. A caring Christian pastor or counselor may be needed to lead us back to the Lord. 

Yet, the Book of Psalms explains the best way to deal with anything that can corrupt our souls.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalms 139: 23-24 NIV).