Sheila walked back into the building after racing home to retrieve her lunch and noticed her co-worker kept glancing down during their conversation. Occupied with her deadline, she went about her day. Sitting down in her office, she noticed her black pants were covered in dog hair. Mumbling, she grabbed the lint roller under her desk to remove the annoyance that tainted her outfit. One second in my house and I’m covered! It was as if every piece of lint and hair for miles was now on her. This is what happens with sin.
Have you ever noticed the seasons in life when it seems like everywhere you turn there awaits a test or a trial? Sheila didn’t roll around in the dog bed on her lunch break, she just walked into the house to pick up the lunch she left on the counter. Yet, she was covered. Even worse, she didn’t notice.
When we are surrounded with people who don’t know God, we must tend to our spiritual lint. Whether it’s at work or at play, we are affected by the company we keep. God intends us to be in the world but not of the world. You may notice your language changes, or your thoughts get funky. Perhaps you find yourself listening to music from “the good old days” with some depressing messages. Maybe you’re slipping back into comfort with a little more wine at night then necessary.
As we approach the Christmas season many of us will be gathering with family that don’t believe in Jesus or attending holiday parties that have nothing to do with Christ. For others, the holidays are more about tradition and less about the Messiah.
I want to challenge you to get your lint roller ready! Don’t be complacent and fall into slander and gossip. Rather, soak in God’s Word. Lift holy hands in worship. Put on the armor of God and be renewed by the Holy Spirit. Let’s not allow the stress of traditions to dictate the true meaning of Christmas. Blow off the spiritual lint and make no place for sin, beloved. Be the light of the world, not the lint in the world.
- “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NKJV)
