Why is it important to recognize "mildew in wool or linen" spiritually? Setting the Scene: Mildew in Wool or Linen “Likewise, if any fabric, whether wool or linen, is contaminated with mildew, it must be brought to the priest” (Leviticus 13:47). • Israel’s priests inspected even clothing for mildew to keep uncleanness from spreading through the camp. • The instruction came from the Lord Himself (Leviticus 13:1), underscoring that purity—physical and spiritual—matters to God. Physical Concern with Spiritual Echoes • Mildew signified corruption that worked quietly, often invisibly at first, but eventually ruined what covered a person. • In Scripture, outward symbols frequently mirror inward realities: “Everything exposed by the light becomes visible” (Ephesians 5:13). • Allowing mildew to remain risked contagion; tolerating hidden sin invites wider damage in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 5:6). Recognizing Spiritual Mildew Today • Hidden habits that seem small—jealousy, bitterness, secret immorality—operate like mildew, spreading beneath the surface. • Just as wool and linen were everyday materials, ordinary routines are where unseen compromise can grow. • Scripture and the Holy Spirit serve as the “priestly inspection” for our lives (Hebrews 4:12; John 16:8). • Regular examination prevents a subtle stain from becoming a destructive infestation (2 Corinthians 13:5). Responding God’s Way 1. Identify the spot: confess specific sin the moment it appears (1 John 1:9). 2. Isolate the garment: step away from influences that feed the decay (Proverbs 4:14-15). 3. Apply cleansing: let the word wash and renew the fabric of thought and behavior (Ephesians 5:26-27). 4. Restore or discard: sometimes God restores; other times He calls for decisive removal (Leviticus 13:57-59; Colossians 3:5). Promises of Cleansing in Christ • “If we walk in the light… the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). • Christ provides garments “white and clean” for His people (Revelation 19:14). • Diligent recognition and treatment of spiritual mildew safeguards personal holiness and preserves the witness of the church (Hebrews 12:15). |
    |