Taking Out the Garbage

When we moved out to the country, the term "taking out the garbage" gained a new meaning. No longer did we have the lovely curb-side service that was supplied to us in our neighborhood subdivision. Now, when we take out the garbage, we toss it in the back of Mac's truck and drive it to the nearest dump a few miles away. Most often, Mac has this "manly" job; but when he is out of town, I then get to do the dirty work.

Just last week, while Mac was gone, I was tossing garbage every few days. However, instead of the back of the truck, I have to put the bags in my front seat. I do this in order to help me remember to make this important stop. Surely, if I see and smell the garbage, I will not fly by the dump. Can you imagine the smell as I am running my errands? (I have done more than imagine it; I've experienced it a time or two).

Thankfully, I did remember to make my stop the other day. And as I was tossing the big hefty garbage bags into the dumpster, I thought about how this resembled the concept of forgiveness. The Lord brought a portion of this verse to mind, that I looked up later:

He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19)

We, as Christians, are told in Scripture to "bag up" our garbage... all our immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed... as well as all our anger, wrath, malice, and abusive speech (Col 3:5,8). We are to "throw these away", not hang onto them, they way I occasionally do with my garbage bags in the front seat. Remember, His Spirit in you will help you to do the "bagging" and the "throwing." Then, when all is said and done, believe you are forgiven. Just like I don't remember a thing that was placed in the garbage bag last week, our God promises, I will remember your sins no more. (Jeremiah 31:34)

So rejoice today as you take out your garbage. And rejoice again, because you now possess the sweet aroma of Christ's unconditional love. Yes, instead of the garbage, let His Spirit grow a garden in you, one full of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness of others, and love (Col. 3:12-14).