Clean And Shiny

Matthew 11:29 – Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. (NLT)

One day I was peeling an onion. This must have been a very strong onion, because tears were just streaming down my face. Always when I am peeling an onion, I wonder why I am doing so. It is not fun, but the flavour of the food to which I add the onion is enhanced. It just adds that extra little "zip".

The outer skin of an onion is crusty and hard. After I take off the crusty part, I wash the onion, and it is shiny and clean.

I thought of my life. So often, I am crusty and hard on the outside — because of resentment, bitterness, pride, fear, jealousy, envy, wanting revenge. The list could go on and on. When I see that crustiness in my life and call out to God, confessing my sin, He gladly comes and gently peals the crusty layer off. He then washes me clean — just like I do with the onions.

Then and only then, can I be white and shiny — on both the outside and the inside. My life can then flavour others' lives. Who knows the effect of a shiny, clean life?

Let's ever be conscious of the onion. Are we crusty and hard on the outside? Others don't see Jesus in us when we are like that. Or are we clean and shiny, bringing love, acceptance, and gentleness to others? I'm sure we all want to be shiny and bringing glory to God.

John 15:3 – Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken to you. (KJV)

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the onion and how You made it. Every time we look at an onion, help us to remember the crusty part of our lives that needs to be removed. Help us to come to You quickly for cleansing. We claim Your promise that You make us clean. Amen.

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