Daily devotional, Nov 14, 2023 Air Purifiers
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." Colossians 3:5
The recent pandemic has brought forth the importance of Air Purifiers and HEPA Filters that they have become a by-word in appliance stores, public places, and homes of those who can afford such an appliance. Air purifiers clean the air by removing air-borne impurities that cause illnesses and allergies, and absorb unwanted odors that affect the indoor environment.
Our Christian life is much like the air being purified by these state-of-the-art filtration equipment. After accepting Jesus Christ as our Personal Lord and Savior, we receive His salvation, and continue to undergo a sanctification process that purifies our mind, hearts and souls as we strive to live a life pleasing to the Lord.
"How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Hebrews 9:14)
No matter how righteous we are, we can never achieve this level of purity without the help of Jesus. We fall back into sin, backslide, or suddenly slow down (or even totally stop) in our walk with Christ given the distractions of this world. We give in to worldliness, covetousness, materialism, haughtiness, anger and vengeance, idolatry, and selfishness. Even long time Christians can fall into the temptation to judge others. But since it is part of God’s plan to sanctify us to set us apart for His purpose, He promises to help us:
"Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." 2 Timothy 2:21
So how do we sanctify ourselves? Well, being confident that we have a Heavenly Father who leads us to paths of righteousness is the key. Each time we sin or displease the Lord, we should confess it to Him through prayers, promise Him that we will try our best to improve our character, repent on the behavior, and once again align oneself to God’s will.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
It is important for us Christians to know what God commands us, what is pleasing to Him, and what is His will. We should live our lives according to these. However, we will only be aware of these if we have a personal relationship with the Lord. That personal relationship involves daily conversations with the Lord, daily bible reading and reflection, resolve to apply the word of God in one’s own life, and of course weekly worship, and regular God-centered fellowship with other believers.
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
Unlike the invention of purifiers and HEPA Filters, the purification of our hearts needs no rocket science. What it needs is a firm resolve to follow Jesus in every way, come to Him when we fail (or when we are about to), and seek His help so we can remain righteous in His eyes.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Acts 26:14-18 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How are you in your sanctification process? Have you realized that the Lord will power you through your efforts?
Conversation with the Lord:Heavenly Father, thank you for leading me to paths of righteousness as I try to sanctify myself for you. I want to live your will for my life, because I know you only have the best plans for me. I love you my Lord Jesus! Amen