Devotional by Stephen Estock

November 18, 2013

In preparing the house for the move to Atlanta, Susan was working hard to keep everything clean and “show ready.” As a loving husband, I wanted to do what I could to help. After I finished brushing my teeth and shaving, I thought I would quickly rinse out the sink. I had a measure of satisfaction knowing that I was helping my wife.

After breakfast, I finished getting ready by putting on my contacts lenses. After the first lens was in and I looked into the sink, I saw specks around the sink. After the second lens, I looked more closely and realized that my cleaning job was woefully inadequate.

Our lives are speckled by the remnants of our sin nature. We vainly try to “clean up,” but our problem is partly due to our blindness. Living in a fallen world dulls our ability to understand true holiness and righteousness. Only the Holy Spirit has the clear vision to see the “specks” of sin that tarnish the image of Christ the Spirit is developing in us. Daily, we must submit to the One who purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7).