Squeaky Clean!

"Squeaky clean" may make us think of wiping our hand across a counter or table and hearing it squeak. That generally means there is no grease or other spills that might cause the hand to slip and slide or nothing sticky to stop the movement of the hand. When "squeaky clean" is used in reference to people it usually refers to a clean or spotless reputation; having no criminal record or not suspected of illegal or immoral activities. Such are individuals of INTEGRITY through and through.

There was an occasion when Jesus was criticized for not washing. We read. . .

"(37) While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. (38) The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. (39) And the Lord said to him, 'Now you Pharisees CLEANSE THE OUTSIDE of the cup and of the dish, BUT INSIDE you are FULL OF GREED AND WICKEDNESS. (40) You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?'" ( Luke 11:37-40 ESV)

There were traditions relative to washing that had developed through the years; procedures associated with hand washing, as well as "the washing of cups, pots, copper vessels, and dining couches." ( Mark 7:3-4) We know that washing before eating helps prevent germs from getting into our food. However, the problem then and even today is more concern over food and bodily cleanliness, while little or no consideration is given to CLEANLINESS OF LIFE before God. This criticism was also addressed in Matthew 23:25-28.

There was a day and age when bathing was done once a week and Bible reading was done daily. Has such become the reverse for many today? Are we more focused on bodily cleanliness or clean dishes than we are with what is SPIRITUALLY GOING ON in our life? Good hygiene is good, but GODLINESS IS BETTER because it relates to life now and for eternity. ( 1 Timothy 4:8)

Praise God for the cleansing we have in Christ. ( Ephesians 5:26) May we not be like the swine who is washed and returns to wallow in the mud. (note 2 Peter 2:22) The life that is CLEAN WITHIN will be clean in its manner of living. May we be spiritually "squeaky clean" in the eyes of God as GODLINESS marks our life inside and out!

Have a great day LIVING A GENUINELY CLEANSED LIFE IN CHRIST!
Carl

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