The Car Wash Dilemma

The recent snows and their messy, muddy aftermath have left a lot of things looking quite dingy. My car is one of those dingy things. I should get it washed, after all, the salt and grime left on the roads has formed layers of dirt that may never come off...or so it seems. Yes, I should wash the car, but to tell you the truth, it is still so messy on the roads that after a washing, and a few more minutes back on the road, it would be dirty again in a matter of moments. Maybe I will wait for spring when all the snow has melted road spray from the salt and puddles is gone away.

Truth is that in the spring, there will be enough dirt, mud, and rain on the roads so that washing the car will not last long either and will probably just be a waste of time. Perhaps in the summer when it is dry and hot, I will wash the car. Yes, the summer's drought will afford the best opportunity to keep the car clean...except for the dust and dirt that collects on the finish when there is no moisture to sate the earth. Maybe there's no good time to wash the car. Maybe it's just not worth the effort when it will just get dirty again!

We have entered the season of Lent, a time of reflection and repentance as we journey toward the cross. Seems like just yesterday we were at this same place. Every year the season of Lent calls us to introspection and confession...to recognize anew our need for forgiveness when confronted with the matchless gift of God's love in Jesus Christ. In reality, repentance and forgiveness are continual themes for the Christian as every day we recognize our sin and ask God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ. I suppose, like a dirty car in the middle of winter, we might assume it unnecessary to find cleansing in the forgiving grace of God, after all, we will just sin again. Yet, unconfessed sin is a barrier to right relationship between God and sinners like me. Perhaps like a car, there are stains that after a while begin to eat away at the paint and damage the finish if not cleaned. Continuing to carry the burden of my sin without repentance allows that sin to compromise a vital, empowering faith. New Testament writer John encourages sinners to be intentional in seeking God's forgiveness, as he writes, "If we are faithful to confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." To ignore that sin is carry the dirt and filth of sin when it could easily be cleansed.

I think I will take my car and get it washed right away. Yes, it will get dirty again, but I must admit that keeping it clean will make a difference to the finish of the car, and probably make me feel better as well. Confessing my sin and seeking the forgiveness of God regularly, makes a difference in my life as well. That is a truth for Lent and every season of the year.

Jim Abernathy