The local gnats and light-loving insects attacked our home over the past few months. Unfortunately (for them) they flew blindly into the spider webs strategically placed under the eaves and around the windows. Spiders are smart.

Our white farmhouse turned splotchy. Like it came down with a severe case of dark skin rash needing immediate attention. The power washer doctors arrived today. 

The guy with the wand is in a rain suit. So is his partner holding the ladder down below. Forget the water pouring down. The insect-infested spider webs falling to the ground are enough to make me wear protective clothing.

The sad reality as I write the check? The temporary nature of the washing. The necrotic skin rash will reappear sometime in the next six to nine months. Such is the nature of living in the country. 

Such is the nature of living with a soul.

The Bible repeatedly refers to our need for washing.  Hands and feet, yes. But more than that. Heart. Soul. Entire being.

Washing removes the grime. Stops the odors. Makes the outside easier on the eye.

Our dirt-problem goes deeper than skin, though. It bores clear to the soul. 

Our souls lean narcissistic. Queen of the mountain. The sun at the center of everyone else’s universe.

Such dirt muddies all of life. Discolors relationships. Blinds us to the beautiful. Deafens us to wisdom and counsel.

God’s solution? Washing us with water and The Spirit and rebirthing us as new children belonging to Him. New creations destined to live with Him forever. 

Still-dirty people who have received a clean heart. 

His people who possess souls able to hear His voice and follow His direction. 

Children of the heavenly Father who look like the Father more and more as they grow.

Have you been washed in such a way? You have if you’ve been baptized. God’s Spirit now lives in you. You now live in God’s Family.

You still have splotches on the outside. But your soul? It’s all taken care of. Thanks to Jesus.