Spring has arrived! If you’re like me, you get the urge to start those annual spring cleaning projects around the house.
But if we’re honest, our homes aren’t the only places in need some deep cleaning. Just like our homes and cars need regular maintenance, so do our spiritual lives. And let’s face it, our spiritual lives impact all the other areas as well. Spring being the time for renewal is the perfect opportunity to do a clean sweep spiritually.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
Make a List
Just like you’d make a list of projects in your house, make a list of areas in your life that may need cleaning up.
- Relationship with Jesus
- Marriage
- Family
- Friends
- Church
- Health
- Work
- Hobbies/free time
List What to Keep and What to Trash
As you look over your first list, take an inventory of activities, commitments, and relationships that are lacking, in excess, or preventing spiritual growth. Sometimes our lives get cluttered with old habits, useless activities, and sin. Like cleaning out our garage, we must get everything out in the open to determine what stays and what goes. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:19
A few things to look for:
- Fear, anxiety, and worry (Philippians 4:6)
- Guilt or shame (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Anger (James 1:19-20, Ephesians 4:26-31)
- Resentment and unforgiveness (Mark 11:25-26)
- Idolatry (1Corinthians 10:14, Philippians 3:19)
- Addictions (Matthew 6:24, 1 Corinthians 6:12)
- Pride (Psalm 10:12, Isaiah 2:12)
Clean and Replenish
Once we’ve removed the clutter of sin or anything that threatens our spiritual growth, it’s time to clean and replace what will stay. This process may seem overwhelming, but God will be our guide.
- Pray
Ask God for help and wisdom as well as the courage to let go of the clutter (James 1:5, 2 Timothy 1:10, Philippians 4:13)
- Get in the Word
The best way to grow spiritually is to spend time listening to God through the Bible. A good way to increase your retention is to journal what you read (Psalm 119:168)
- Join a Bible Study Group
It helps to join a group with people who have the same goals that will: provide accountability, give encouragement, and answer questions (Hebrews 10:25, Titus 2:7-8)
Our Heavenly Father longs for us to grow spiritual fruit. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2
If we stay attached to Jesus (the vine), he will help us with our spring cleaning (pruning) and guide our spiritual growth which will make future cleaning projects easier with time.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
What has God spoken to you about your own ‘spiritual spring cleaning?’ Please share below. Let’s join in prayer together as we seek to grow closer to Jesus.
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Beckie — love this and the tie into spring. I appreciate the part about how to clean and replenish– pray and get in the word.
Great advice and great blog. Del
Thanks, Del. The Lord convicted me to write this as well as work on my own spiritual spring cleaning. I’m glad you found it helpful.
Beckie,
Very good mental pictures of spring cleaning. I love the thought of using this yearly cleaning of our homes as a reminder to do an inventory and cleaning of our spiritual lives. Very practical. Thank you
Patty, thanks for taking the time to let me know this was a helpful post. It was helpful for me to write it. We all need to take a spiritual inventory.
Blessings to you and yours!
Deep soul cleaning is like using the vacuum cleaner and sucking out all that dirt gathered, littered and hidden in corners of our heart.
I like this check list. I think it should be done everyday. ..so we are ready if our day be today.
Thank you Lindsey.
Blessings to you
Ifeoma, Thanks for stopping by Spotlight and taking the time to comment. I think you’re right in saying we need to take a spiritual inventory on a daily basis.
Blessings to you and yours too!
Beckie, this is such a timely reminder of what Lent is meant to be – a time of spiritual cleansing. Thanks and blessings for this good word.
Mary, Amen! I know that Lent is an important time, but I’ve been convicted that spiritual cleansing is a daily process. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Blessings!
Thanks for sharing your spiritual spring cleaning tips at Literacy Musing Mondays! Great tips for any season. 🙂
Brandi, It’s always an honor to share. Thanks for taking the time to comment. And I think you’re right: these tips are for any season 🙂
Wow, Beckie, this was really good. Thank you for encouraging us to do some “spring cleaning” in our lives. I need to get started! Thanks!
I’m right there with you, Crickett! Thanks for your encouragement.
I used to dread cleaning the house, but now I see it as making everything pretty again. I will ponder what I can clean up in my heart. Thanks, Beckie!