As far as the east is from the west, so far has [the Lord] removed our transgressions from us.
– Psalm 103:12 (NIV)
The sign above the 24-hour laundry/dry cleaning storefront reads, “Decent Cleaners.” This unusual name catches my attention each time I see it. Just what is the difference between decent and exceptional, decent and excellent, or decent and extraordinary? Why would I want my clothes to be laundered just “decently”? Why shouldn’t they be extraordinarily clean or exceptionally clean? Who is satisfied with merely decent? Am I asking too much if I desire excellence?
In a spiritual sense, what level of clean can God accomplish? Psalm 51:7 says, “Wash me and I will be whiter than snow.” I think of “whiter than snow” as exceptionally white, clean from top to bottom. For clothes, it means they are clean inside and out, pockets and cuffs, hidden linings and front lapels. The Bible tells us that every sin can be forgiven, that every spot on the heart can be removed, and that no guilt can leave a permanent stain on our soul.
Our own attempts to wash away our shame or cover our sin cannot succeed. But the forgiveness God offers is exceptional, excellent, extraordinary, and thorough. I need to be cleaned of the guilt and released from the power of sin, and only God can do that. Each of us can confess our failures to God in prayer and be cleansed and forgiven.
Sharon Braner (Oklahoma, USA)
Thought for the Day
Only God can wash away the stain of sin.
Prayer
Dear God, when we try and fail to live sinless lives, remind us that you can and will completely forgive all our sins. Amen.