Monday’s Dallas Morning News’ contained an article “Clearing the Air for Spring.” The accompanying photograph featured a woman from the Jung Society inhaling smoke while saying a cleansing and smoke prayer, described as a way to cleanse the soul. How can smoke purify something intangible and eternal?
Historically, the equinox has been associated with pagan rituals and nature worship. Instead, we might use it as a time to adore the Creator by cleaning our souls as an act of worship, particularly if we don’t do so for Lent.
The rebirth of nature reminds us of the resurrection of Christ, who died and returned to life by the power of God’s Spirit. We, too, share in his resurrection—now as we live a new life, dead to our old selves, and at Jesus’ return when our bodies will be raised. “By his great mercy he gave us new birth through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3b).
As people who have risen from death to new life, let’s do some soul-cleansing, knowing that only God can wash us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. 1 John 1:9: “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.”
Here are some questions that allow God access to areas in my life which may need cleansing. (There are too many to put them all!)
- How does my life compare to that described in the Beatitudes (Mt. 5:1-12)?
- Do I show forth the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)?
- Do I love God foremost and my neighbor secondly (Mk. 12:28-33) in light of 1 Cor. 13:1-8a?
- Am I unselfishly giving to others, knowing that I am rich compared to most of the world (Jam. 2:15-16)?
The same power of the Spirit that resurrected Jesus from the dead is available to us so that we can live resurrected lives. As I depend on him, God continues to cleanse my soul of sins like pride and selfishness and make me new, more like Jesus.
How is he working in you?
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