How can we "wash our hands in innocence" in our daily lives today? Setting the Scene “I wash my hands in innocence and go around Your altar, O LORD” (Psalm 26:6). In Scripture, clean hands symbolize an outward life that matches an inward devotion (Psalm 24:3-4). The psalmist approaches God’s altar with nothing to hide. The call is the same for us—live transparently before the Lord so worship flows unhindered. What Innocent Hands Look Like • A life free from unconfessed sin (1 John 1:9) • Integrity in speech and actions (Proverbs 10:9) • No participation in injustice or deceit (Psalm 15:2-3) • Single-minded devotion to God, not idols or worldly compromise (James 4:8) Daily Practices That Keep Our Hands Clean 1. Continual Confession and Repentance • Start and end each day asking the Spirit to expose hidden faults (Psalm 139:23-24). • Agree with God about sin immediately; don’t wait for it to harden the heart (Proverbs 28:13). • Receive Christ’s cleansing without self-punishment—His blood “purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). 2. Guarding the Heart Before the Hands • Feed on Scripture; let it confront motives before they become actions (Hebrews 4:12). • Redirect wandering thoughts through memorized verses (Psalm 119:11). • Choose edifying media and conversations, limiting influences that soil the soul (Philippians 4:8). 3. Walking in Integrity With People • Keep promises, even when costly (Psalm 15:4). • Handle money transparently; avoid even the appearance of dishonesty (2 Corinthians 8:21). • Speak truth without slander (Ephesians 4:25,31). 4. Quick Forgiveness and Reconciliation • Refuse lingering resentment; forgive as Christ forgave you (Colossians 3:13). • Seek peace whenever conflict arises (Romans 12:18). • Restore relationships before offering worship (Matthew 5:23-24). 5. Pure Worship Around God’s “Altar” Today • Gather consistently with believers, lifting “holy hands without anger or dissension” (1 Timothy 2:8). • Participate in Communion soberly, examining yourself (1 Corinthians 11:28). • Offer praise, service, and resources willingly, not for show (Matthew 6:1-4). 6. Serving the Needy Without Mixed Motives • Meet tangible needs—food, visits, encouragement—“unto the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). • Expect no recognition; let the Father who sees in secret reward you (Matthew 6:3-4). • Guard against charity that exalts self rather than Christ (Galatians 6:14). Staying Accountable • Invite a mature believer to ask hard questions about your walk (Proverbs 27:17). • Confess specific struggles together and pray for victory (James 5:16). • Celebrate progress; God delights in steadfast footsteps (Psalm 37:23-24). Knowing It’s Worth It Clean hands grant: • Confidence in God’s presence (Hebrews 10:22). • Freedom from nagging guilt (Psalm 32:1-2). • A credible witness before a watching world (Philippians 2:15). • Anticipation of seeing the Lord face to face with joy (1 John 3:2-3). Closing Charge “Therefore, beloved… be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). Keep washing daily at the fountain of Christ’s grace, and approach His altar with bold, innocent hands. |
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