A Clean Sweep

When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely.  Judges 1:28 (ESV)

God’s command to the Israelites was very specific: drive the Canaanites out. Sadly, instead of obliterating them, they compromised and lived among them. “Much of the Canaanite lifestyle and religion appealed to the Israelites’ sinful nature. Rather than destroying them and their idolatry, Israel compromised” (Blackaby, Experiencing God Day by Day).

God makes it very clear that, in His sight, partial obedience is disobedience. In Ephesians 4:31, Paul says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice.” The verse here is arthētō which means to make a clean sweep. When it comes to sin, there is no room for compromise. Beliefs or habits that might appear innocuous but are clearly against God’s word can quickly become distractions or temptations that influence our walk with Christ.

Today, take some time to examine your beliefs, habits, behaviors, and values. Do they align with Scripture? Ask the Spirit of God to search your heart, test your thoughts, and point out anything displeasing to Him. Confess it, confront it, and make a clean sweep before it becomes entrenched in your lifestyle.

Prayer: Lord, let me not become so inured to sin that I fail to see those thoughts and habits that are not pleasing to you. Help me eradicate those sinful behaviors that conflict with your word. Fill those places with your Holy Spirit so that I might live in victory. In your name I pray, Amen.