Whitewash by Ps Jim Jung

Whitewash

A few years ago my wife Jan asked me to repaint our bathroom walls. This wasn’t the first time she had asked me to do this, in fact; she had been encouraging me to respond to her request for a considerable number of months! Over time, our bathroom had suffered from a lack of adequate airflow, creating the perfect environment for mould to begin to grow in some of the more susceptible areas. I determined to undertake the task at a time of my choosing which seemed to be extended at every opportunity I could delay the required action.

One fine Saturday morning, as I was settling in to watch my favourite football team play against their bitter rivals, Jan issued an ultimatum. By the time, she returned from running some errands she expected the bathroom to have received the renovating treatment we had agreed upon. No more excuses, time was up.

My attitude wasn’t the best. A great deal of grumbling ensued, but she was unswayed. With that look in her eye and her demeanour unbowed, however, I was left with the task of repainting the bathroom immediately.

The football match began with great fanfare. This was to be the match of the season. In between quarters, I raced into the bathroom and repainted those walls with record speed. There wasn’t time to wash back the mould or to prepare the surfaces. The paint covered it all so well; it looked great. When Jan came home, she was so surprised that the job that had been delayed for so long had been completed so quickly and (apparently) with such a great result. A few days later, the mould returned.

How often do we whitewash over the mould of our lives without taking the time to deal with the causes of those menacing outbreaks? Those habits we tolerate the unhealthy fantasies we entertain in our thoughts, and those seven deadly sins we think we can get away with. The Apostle Paul writes in the book of Romans“…the wages of sin are death” (6:23). Sin is like toxic waste that can only cause harm to our lives. If we only attempt to cover it over by trying harder, or creating distractions, or through insincere effort, we will fail and like the untreated mould; our sinfulness will resurface.

When it comes to dealing with engrained sin, our attitude is often less than acceptable. A great deal of grumbling may even ensue. But if we want lasting results then we would be wise to listen to the advice of the bible that tells us not to “…conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The choice is yours. Whitewash may look good for a few days without having to use much effort. Following Jesus Christ will cost you everything but you will be transformed, brand new and mould free!