My wife went around our townhouse, replacing dirty air filters.

They were black with filtered dirt—the fruit of air pollution in San Jose.

Similarly, we must ask God to replace the “dirty air filters” of our heart—the fruit of our sins.

What do such dirty air filters look like?

They are full of “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of range, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21).

My wife replaced the dirty air filters with new, clean ones.

What do new, clean air filters in our hearts look like? They are full of the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Why is our old, dirty heart replaced with a new clean heart?

Because those of us who belong to Christ have crucified the old, dirty air filters of our heart with their passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24). Christ gives us the Spirit (John 15:26) who will guide us into all Truth (John 15:26; John 16:13).

We have become new creations. The old has passed away.

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17).

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

When does your heart become dirty? Why? How?

Have you ever crucified the old, dirty air filters of your heart? Why? How?

READ MORE

For related ideas, please read my blog “A COMPLETELY New Heart”.