“And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless). Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God's law by transgression or neglect – being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will). You know that He appeared in visible form and became Man to take away [upon Himself] sins, and in Him there is no sin [essentially and forever].” 1 John 3:3-5 (AMP)

Today my five-year-old daughter explained to me her perception of sin. Sarah said, "When you say bad words and you do mean things, the Bible says that is sin and it looks like scribble-scrabble in your heart." I was totally taken aback with the wisdom that flowed from my baby girl.

Her words created a vivid word picture for me. I thought about all of the times I am sinful. I pictured my bad words, short temper, judgmental thoughts and unkind glances creating scribbly black lines through my heart. I wondered if others could see my heart behind all those squiggly lines, or notice God’s presence there. I wanted to reach for a big eraser!

Thinking of the scripture in 1 John 3:3-5, God reminded me of the sacrifice His son made over 2,000 years ago. He did all the erasing back then. I must accept that and just be faithful to confess my sins as I become aware of them. I can also become less apt to commit them.

I love how God uses our little ones to teach us mighty lessons. My young daughter has motivated me today to keep the squiggly lines of sin out of my heart. As I do so, I trust others will be able to see traces of God’s love there, rather than the scribble-scrabble of sin.

What does your heart look like today?

Dear Lord, I ask that your Holy Spirit would convict me when I am not careful with my thoughts, words, or actions today. I pray that I would continuously keep my heart clean and with out messy lines blocking You out to a watching world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

***

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

The Women’s Devotional Bible

The Character of God: Understanding His Heart for Us by Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer

Visit Charlene Kidd’s blog

Application Steps:

Spend some time today quietly reflecting on anything that may be contributing to scribbly lines cluttering your heart. As things come to mind, repent and ask for forgiveness, and then ask for the discipline to make better choices from now on.

Reflections:

What situations or circumstances cause me to falter?

What can I do to guard against them?

How can I be a better example to those around me?

Power Verses:

Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in).” (AMP)

John 16:8, “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” (NIV)

© 2008 by Charlene Kidd. All rights reserved.