Hand And Heart Washing

Devotional for Wednesday, November 24, 2004 by Ivie Bozeman

Ephesians 5:26 - He made the church holy by the power of his word, and he made it pure by washing it with water. (CEV)

I worked in a hospital for fifteen years. One of the strongest memories I have of this period of my life was the signs everywhere reminding us to Wash your hands. This was very important in a hospital -- to protect us from germs and from spreading germs to others. This rule was imprinted so deeply into my mind; I still recall it when I am near a place to wash hands.

Just as it is important to wash the hands, it is important to cleanse the mind (heart) by removing thoughts that pollute the control centre of our body. The way we think determines the way we relate to God and to other people, and ultimately, how we feel about ourselves. Proverbs reminds us that from this area flow the springs of life. Ephesians reminds us that the church was made holy by the power of God's Word and was made pure by washing with water (baptism).

We take the first step toward a clean heart by trusting Jesus Christ as our Saviour and "washing" by means of confession and repentance.

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (NASB)

Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (NASB)

When our hearts are pure, we are able to discern the truth, to live more active, fruitful, and joyful lives, and to be open to the leading of the Spirit. Like the washing of hands which removes germs that cause sickness, the cleansing of the mind purifies us within.

Prayer: Lord, let the meditations of our hearts be clean and open to You. Remind us to "wash our hearts" on a regular basis to keep us pure within. Amen.

Ivie Bozeman <ivie@rose.net>
Thomasville, Georgia, USA

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