Neighborhood Sewer Cleaning

Thoughts Along the Way©

Elaine Mehn

 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. Matthew 15:18-19

 Once a year our neighborhood association sets aside a day to clean the storm sewers. This involves lifting off the grates and scooping out the rotting leaves and other putrid matter that has accumulated over that year. Clean water is then poured into them and they are clean. Besides the mess involved, there is also a distinct and very unpleasant aroma that wafts through the neighborhood. This cleaning needs to be done in order for the storm sewers to work properly but the process is not pleasant.

God works in my life the same way. I have rotting un-forgiveness, anger, self-centeredness, pride, and the list could fill this page. I think that everything is fine because I am not aware of the stench. My “sewer cover” is in place so no one can see what is inside. Every time I fail to forgive, every time I am critical, every time I minister out of my strength rather than in faith, I add to the pile of unbelief that is rotting in my heart. My selfishness, demandingness, and unkindness reflect the unbelief in my heart as well as add to the pile of filth. I think that as long as no one knows then everything is OK and I can pretend that there isn’t a problem. Others don’t always share my view of pretence as the potent smell is blowing in their direction.

I know that the storm sewers need to be cleaned even though it is a smelly process but somehow I think that my heart “sewer” can be ignored. Thankfully God knows the truth of my heart and loves me enough to be willing to do the messy work of bringing all of the filth to the surface so He can get rid of it and leave me clean and fresh and pure.

The problem with this cleaning process is that I am called to cooperate. Just as the sewers are not self cleaning so my heart is not self cleaning either. I often misunderstand what participation looks like. I think it means that I have to do all of the work myself or that God does all the work and I do nothing. Even when I want to, which is rare, I can’t do it. The first whiff of my sin sends me running for cover. The stench is supposed to send me running but not for cover. The awareness of my sin is to send me to the cross for a fresh season of repentance and a renewed faith. Instead of demanding other people’s approval in order to feel satisfied, I can look to Jesus’ acceptance and approval for my heart’s satisfaction. In this way the old self is removed and the fresh pure water of the Spirit is poured into my heart. This is the cleansing process that glorifies God and succeeds in changing me – little by little.

Prayer: Father, forgive not only the stinking mess of sin that is rotting in my heart but also my desire to ignore and hide it from You. Forgive me for my unbelief that fears that You will stop loving me if I admit the depth of how my sins offend. Let Your grace and mercy bring me to repentance and fill me again with faith in Jesus. Transform my life to reflect You.