I was driving to work this morning and written in the dirt on the back of a trailer were the words, “WASH ME.” If I were to follow those instructions and wash it really well, how long would it be before it was dirty again and needing to be re-cleaned? Keeping it completely clean would take daily washing, and most days, more than once. That’s quite a commitment to cleanliness.

When we accepted the free gift of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23), our souls/spirit were essentially washed clean of every sin we would ever commit. “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7). However, we still end up sinning daily, most days, more than once and need cleansing. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say 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.” (1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬-‭9).

Sinning after salvation, does not affect your eternal standing (II Corinthians 5:21). Without continual confession (agreeing with God’s opinion of sin), it’s like covering your car windows with a dirty film that will only get worse the longer it sits. The sun is still shining outside and people interacting, but from in the car, things are less clear and we might miss a sign and go the wrong direction. In short, it affects how we perceive God and interact with other people, especially Christians. That’s why we are encouraged to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other (James 5:16). It helps us recognize our dirt (sin), and other Christians can help support us as we share. I’ve seen Christians that were struggling with the same sin as someone confessing, but were too scared to admit it, open up as they realized, possibly for the first time, they were not alone.

Continuing in your sin can also bring discipline because God loves you enough to discipline you and restore your fellowship Romans 8:38-39). This way, you can walk in his ways and be used as a clean vessel for service. “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬-‭21‬).

So let us all daily, or hourly, or more if needed, get in line with God (confess) and keep that fellowship with each other. We’re all headed to the same place, so let us help and support each other. And most importantly, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬).