Housecleaning Lessons

Last week a lady in our church asked if I would be willing to have housecleaning lessons. I’ve shared in some small groups the spiritual struggle I have with my flesh over this, and she wondered whether I was open to some help. She came over yesterday and we talked through my week of days. We talked about Scripture and how it should govern what I do each day. And we talked through a great deal of practical strategies that have already been helpful for me.

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes.

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Luke 12:42-48

We have been tasked with managing our homes. My friend Alisa reminded me that it’s our responsibility to get it done. Period. I realize that not everyone finds managing a house to be a spiritual battle, but for me it is. I must deny my flesh multiple times in a day if I am going to obey God’s command to be a keeper at home. As Alisa also mentioned, taking care of my home is an act of love in response to a loving Father who has showered me with innumerable material blessings. In this way, washing my counters and putting away my clothes properly each day is worship directed to my God.

It has been helpful for me to look at each item out of place and ask myself whether I am being a good steward of what God has given me. I’ve gotten rid of some things that I didn’t need and couldn’t take care of. It’s been good to be challenged and strengthened, and I know I have other sisters who pray for me. They know me best, and when they come over and my house is clean, they know who gets the glory, because it is God who works in me both to will and to do of his good pleasure. How thankful I am for a woman who took the initiative to approach me about a struggle I have! I pray that God gives me more willingness to open myself up to the mutual edification we find in His Word.

Is Scripture changing you this week? How are you using the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God) in the battle against sin?