Cleaning Out the Basement

When was the last time you took a look at your basement. You know, your heart. Do you have stuff in there that needs to be throw out. Are you carrying around ill feelings for someone who hurt you? Maybe someone at work or a spouse, family member has upset you and you still have all the anger piled over in a corner.

Ephesians 4:26-30 (HCSB)

²⁶ Be angry and do not sin.^[a] Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. ²⁸ The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. ²⁹ No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need,^[b] so that it gives grace to those who hear. ³⁰ And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him^[c] for the day of redemption.

As Christians we cannot live a triumphant life for Christ if we are carrying around anger in our heart toward someone. In this short passage in Ephesians, Paul gives us the template for cleaning out that basement.

1. Don't be consumed by anger - Not all anger is sin. But if we are taken over by anger that is an opportunity for Satan.
2. Don't let your anger be carried over into the next day. If something happens deal with it right then. Remember blessed are the peace makers
3. Don't Do Negative - The "Thief" is a metaphor. Paul uses the thief to illustrate one's lifestyle.We must turn from Negative to a Positive Lifestyle
4. Christians should stop evil speech. Gossip, taking part in conversations that or negative or improper. Our speech should build up the Spirit and be full of Grace. 
5. Don't grieve the Holy Spirit - Paul here is saying don't give the Holy Spirit sorrow by our sin.

 Sometime back I had a situation where three individuals betrayed me and caused me great loss. One was like a sister to me. I cannot put in words the pain that I felt. All I could think of was how much I hated them for what they did. I carried this anger for a long time until the Holy Spirit convicted me that I needed to forgive, clean out the basement. Once I realized that the only way that I would have peace in my life was to forgive those who had hurt me the most I contacted them and told them that I had forgiven them and that I wished them the blessing of God. I felt as if a weight was lifted off me. The scriptures seemed sweeter. My prayers flowed easier and when I sat quietly with the Word of God in my hand and listened. I could hear God speaking to me. And that my friend is the beginning of a greater relationship.

 Ezekiel 36:26(HCSB)

²⁶ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone^[a] and give you a heart of flesh.

God promises to give us a new heart when we seek Him and allow Christ to live through us. Maybe it's time to check and see if there is stuff in the basement that needs to be cleared out. 

See you next time.....In His Service