Clean And Shiny

Listen while you read: "To God Be The Glory"1  (Lyrics)

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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About the author:

Judy Miller <twingma@gmail.com>
Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
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One thought on “Clean And Shiny”

  1. Thank you for this very special devotional you previously prepared Judy. Your words are so very true and positive. Yes our lives are so much sweeter when we receive Jesus and follow His ways. Blessings for this very special writing and the others that you have prepared and delivered.


    Hello Judy
    This is a good one but did you know even that crusty onion skin once washed can be boiled and is a good drink when you have a cold?! Someone told me that last year and I tried it and it was beneficial. I did not add any sugar like she said she does but just boiled let it sit it changes color to a brownish shade. So even the crusty parts of the onion or ourselves once cleaned can be of help to someone. God is so good!!
    Blessings.

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