For many years I have belonged to churches that observe the Leviticus 23 Holy Days around this time of year. In response to obedience to scripture around this time before they are observed we would spend weeks preparing our homes by deleavening room after room, cars and whatever we had that may have leavening in them. All in preparation for the feast of Unleavened bread where we go without eating leavening for 7 days. This symbolizes putting out sin in our lives. Even though I still observe these days in recent years the focus has been much different than before.

Oftentimes while missing the spiritual aspects of this time of year we would focus on the physical alone, or with an imbalance. Some of us would actually compete to see who can get their property or cars the cleanest. I never won those competitions for a variety of reasons. I remember how upset some of the people were when even during those days they still found leavening in their homes. One person was confident that they had cleaned everything. One morning a squirrel crossed through their property with a piece of bread in its mouth and that made them upset. I began to question what we were doing.

One day after a family outing with our then 3 children I decided to clean out the family van for the Holy Days. I started with removing the trash and then vacuuming everything down to the fibers of the mats which were caked with old crackers and cereal that accumulated since the last Holy Day season. 4 plus hours later physically and mentally I was done. It seemed that before it would only take an hour or so to do the same job. My question to myself was: “because we have children now are we more guilty of sin?” It made me ponder some very important things about our faith.

Many scriptures talk about faith in Jesus over works, this one is more direct in this manner:

Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.

Human pride longs to do great things. We like to be seen as righteous to others, and by chance righteous to God. Here is a scripture that shows us that even in our highest state of righteousness that it is just filthy rags to Him.

Through all things we are justified through our belief in Jesus Christ. Those who believe and are baptized are saved. It was through His blood that we are reconciled to God alone and no way else. Thankfully our salvation does not hinge on how great we are or how clean our house and car are on certain occasions. Our belief in Jesus as our savior covers all things that works cannot do.

I still clean my home and car out this time of year. But in knowing that Faith in Jesus is still far more important than anything I can do. Knowing that even frees us from the guilt we use to have our own efforts become more important than what he had done.

In Christ always,                                                                                                           

Steve Koenig

Lakeshore Fellowship