Inside Out

My sister Holly texted me two days ago that she had just finished a three mile run and realized that her shorts were on backwards. We had a good chuckle over that, and I remembered when I showed up to church once with my shirt inside out. I remember thinking I needed to make better use of the mirror.

Well yesterday, I went on a five mile run and when I got inside, realized I had my shorts on inside out. Holly decided it must be genetic. I decided again I need to do better self-checks in the mirror before I go into public.

But wouldn't it be interesting if instead of our shorts, we all had days where we wore our souls inside out? Instead of them being neatly hidden from view where no one can see (and condemn!) them, they would be flapping in the wide open air like inside out pockets. I wonder how many of us would dare walk outside if that were the case, if every ugly thought and every nasty deed were exposed to the light of day?

I for one am glad that I never have to check the mirror to see if my soul is inside out. It always stays inside, or wherever souls reside. However, it is sobering to remember that God sees every icky thought, every ungrateful tendency, every unappetizing desire, every regretful action from the past. Every single moment, I am walking with my soul inside out before God. I don't know about you, but I think this is far more horrifying than running 5 miles with my shorts inside out.

The really exciting thing is that when we are washed clean by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, we are cleansed from the inside out! A new spirit takes residence within; the sanctifying spirit of God Himself. I like to picture Him as putting an arm around my mortified soul, and saying, "There, there. We are going to be hanging together now, and I promise, stick with me and there will be no more condemnation and one day, your insides will be cleansed all the way to the outside."

********************
When my heart was bitter, when I was all cut up inside, I was stupid and ignorant. I acted like nothing but an animal toward you. But I was still always with you! You held my strong hand! You have guided me with your advice; later you will receive me with glory. Do I have anyone else in heaven? There’s nothing on earth I desire except you. (Psalms 73:21-25 CEB)

-save a dog- hollowcreekfarm.org
http://www.amazon.com/Vicky-Kaseorg/e/B006XJ2DWU