Spring Cleaning For The Soul

This week begins Lent, a time of celebration and renewal before we remember the death and resurrection of Christ. Today and tomorrow -- the two days before Ash Wednesday -- are Shrovetide. A time to cleanse the soul. Today, Shrove Monday, particular traditions will enjoy a breakfast of bacon and eggs, maybe clean the house, and meditate on a renewed spirit.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)

The truth is, we don't need to wait for a particular time of year to renew our minds and souls. In fact, it is an ongoing, daily process. And we don't do it ourselves, but through God's mercy, and by His renewing of our minds. 

Our God is a transformational God. He doesn't simply come in, say you're forgiven, tell you to "go and sin no more," and be on His way. Instead, He gives us a Counselor, in the form of the Holy Spirit, to guide us onto a right path. You and I cannot simply cleanse ourselves once a year and go on with our lives. If we have been truly saved -- if we have truly received the gift of God's Spirit -- we allow Him to change us daily, and to make us into His perfect image.