Why is it crucial to "inspect the house" of our spiritual lives regularly? Setting the Scene “Before the priest enters to examine the mildew, he shall order that everything in the house be removed… After this the priest shall go in to inspect the house. He is to examine the mildew on the walls… the priest is to go in and examine the house. If the mildew has spread in the house, it is a destructive mildew; the house is unclean.” Why the Ancient Inspection Matters Today • Sin, like mildew, can hide in cracks and corners. • A house may look sound until a careful, methodical inspection exposes decay. • What the priest did for Israel’s homes, the Holy Spirit does in believers (John 16:8). Timeless Reasons to Inspect Our Spiritual House • Purity safeguards fellowship – 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple…?” – Accumulated compromise clouds communion with the Lord. • Early detection prevents deeper damage – Hebrews 3:13 warns that sin’s deceit “hardens” when left unchecked. • Ongoing obedience proves genuine faith – 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” • Cleansing invites God’s blessing – Psalm 24:3-4 links clean hands and a pure heart to standing in His holy place. Signs It Is Time for a Fresh Inspection • Lingering resentment, anxiety, or secret habits. • Diminished hunger for Scripture and prayer. • Ease with entertainment once recognized as ungodly. • Reluctance to serve or give. • Rationalizing instead of repenting. A Simple Pattern for Regular Inspection 1. Clear the House • Set aside distractions; silence devices; open the Word. 2. Invite the Inspector • Psalm 139:23-24—ask the Spirit to “search” and “lead.” 3. Compare Each Room to Scripture • Thought life—Philippians 4:8. • Speech—Ephesians 4:29. • Relationships—Romans 12:18. • Stewardship—1 Corinthians 4:2. • Private conduct—Ephesians 5:3. 4. Remove the Rot • Confess specifically (1 John 1:9). • Renounce and forsake (Proverbs 28:13). • Replace with righteous habits (Ephesians 4:22-24). 5. Restore and Re-dedicate • Refill with the Word (Colossians 3:16). • Renew commitments to fellowship, service, generosity, and witness. Blessings That Follow a Clean House • Unhindered intimacy with Christ (John 14:23). • Fresh power in prayer (James 5:16). • Heightened discernment (Hebrews 5:14). • Joy and peace that overflow to others (Romans 15:13). Closing Takeaways • A neglected house soon crumbles; a neglected heart soon strays. • Regular, Spirit-led self-examination keeps mildew from becoming ruin. • A well-inspected life becomes a sturdy dwelling where God’s presence is unmistakable. |
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