Sweep Under The Rugs

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

C.H. Spurgeon would personally interview new converts or those interested in membership. Instead of just coming forward like people do today, he would talk to each person individually during the week, ask questions, and decide whether to accept or reject them based on their Christian testimony. Once, he was speaking with a maid who worked in someone's house. He asked her, "Tell me why you are converted. How can I know that you have a changed life and that you've given your life to Jesus?" She replied, "Before I became a Christian, my employer would tell me to sweep not only where she could see but also under the rugs. I never swept under the rugs. But since I became a Christian, I sweep under the rugs."

Don't you see how God will change the life of someone who gives their heart to Jesus? In this story, no one is watching, but there's a difference. Jesus Christ has made that difference. We, too, can trust in the power of the cross. Jesus Christ not only paid the penalty for our sins, which would be enough—that's forgiveness—but then He also gives us the power of the cross, which breaks the hold of sin over our lives. My chains are gone. I've been set free. We should certainly praise the Lord that Jesus Christ forgives me of my sins and has saved me from the penalty of those sins. But don't stop there. He gave us the power to live in victory over sin. He gave us the power to live differently from the world around us.

1 Peter 4:1–6 (NKJV)
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Martin Luther wrote that wonderful song, "Rock of Ages." In it, he says, "be of sin the double cure - saved from wrath and make me pure." The "double cure" refers to forgiving sin and also giving us power over sin, which Jesus Christ did for us. It'd be good enough if forgiveness were all that was there at Calvary, but He does more than that. Sin shall not have dominion over you.

Reflection Question: What are the "under the rug" areas of your life where only God sees - and how is your changed life showing up there?

Lord, help me to have integrity in the small things, the hidden things, the private moments. Thank You that You didn't just forgive my sin, but You gave me power to live differently. Let that power show up in how I work, how I treat people, and how I live when no one else can see. In Jesus' name, amen.

Adapted from "Ready for Battle" (1 Peter 4:1-6): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/9n23qdh/19-ready-for-battle-1-peter-4-1-6