We have purified the entire temple of the Lord. (2 Chron. 29:18)
I NEEDED A MEDICAL PROCEDURE that required me to “cleanse” my body days prior to the procedure. This involved taking many medicines and being on a restrictive diet. It was a brutal process that demanded discipline, but this purification process was necessary to achieve proper readiness for a true test result.
In contrast, purification of one’s spiritual life is needed to prepare the heart to be in touch with God’s will. This process isn’t always easy as there are negative things that one may struggle to let go. No doubt when King Hezekiah ordered a purification, he met resistance from people who were set in their pagan ways, but he was determined to make the temple fit for the Lord and His people once again, so he charged on.
Having unholy or evil things mingle in daily life will prevent direct fellowship with God; therefore, continuous cleansing of the heart and mind is required. There can be no defilement if one is to hear God’s voice, since God is holy. Hezekiah’s priests took the corrupt items and placed them in front of the altar, which was a show of faith to God that they forfeited the past behavior and defilement of the previous leaders. One should take an occasional inventory of oneself to ensure a right standing with God.
Purify your heart, mind, and soul of all unholy things.
Tammy Barnes Teeter is married and has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. She is an author, praise team director and works full time as a sales/engineering coordinator. She enjoys writing and ministering to others.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
