Hmmm….  What is that smell? I walked into the house and wrinkled my nose up……

 

Scenario #1  –  I grab a can of air freshener and start spraying. It smells better pretty quickly and I falsely conclude that the problem is solved.

 

Scenario #2  –   I grab a can of air freshener, start spraying, and then start looking for the SOURCE of the smell.

 

Scenario #3  –  I grab a can of air freshener, start spraying, start looking for the source of the smell, and then fixing the issue by neutralizing the problem.

 

This situation plays out, not only for the simple act of making our surroundings smell good, but parallels our spiritual walk, as well.

 

Matthew 6:7-8 says: “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knows what things ye have need of, before ye ask him”.

(Thinking that SAYING a prayer, looking around at everyone else, but not looking at oneself)

This is like spraying air freshener but not deciding to fix the problem.

 

James 4:17 says: “Therefore to him that knows to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

(Praying casually, recognizing our sins, yet not addressing ourselves truthfully)

This is like spraying air freshener, finding the source, but not fixing the source.

 

1 John 1:7-9 says:  “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanse us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

(Prayer with depth, recognizing our sins, true confession, and turning our hearts back to Him)

This is like spraying air freshener, finding the source, and neutralizing the problem.

 

As we reach for the next can of air freshener; let us stop and look at the can as if it’s just a signal. The Lord will send signals when we need to redirect our paths to alter our directions. He wants us close to Him. We need to be careful to not ignore His urgings before the atmosphere gets too bad. He may just be re-directing us not away from something bad, but towards something awesome. He loves doing things for His people to fulfill His will and our lives!

 

“Lord, thank You for allowing us to be aware of Your presence, to recognize a bad “feeling” as You bring it in our presence, and to give us the wisdom to take corrective actions to seek You in deeper prayer, and to get the changes made per Your direction. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”