Labor of Love

Which one do you prefer?

Here's what I love: My dirty floors.

Do you like dark hardwood floors?  Well, I do.  I found myself drawn to them in every photograph I looked at when we were making selections for our house.  The darker the better!  However, seeing dark floors in pictures is very different from seeing them in person.  We looked at a few homes that were under construction that had dark hardwood floors.  Every single one looked beautiful with the decor, but showed every speck of dust.   

I went back and forth for quite a while on what color to stain our floors, but after staining them a few different sample colors, I finally decided that what I liked best was the darkest one possible—“Ebony!”  I gave the go-ahead fully knowing that dark floors show dirt and crumbs like crazy.

I knew what I was getting into.

But, I love these floors!  I am so happy with the color!  Do they show dust and crumbs?—you betchya!  Every speck!  I have to sweep and Swiffer every single day—sometimes twice a day—If I want to keep them looking clean. 

The other day while I was dutifully sweeping a pile into the dustpan for the second time that day, and then tenderly wiping up a sticky spot, I realized that I love these floors.  Even though they take work, which would drive some people crazy, I chose them.  I think they are beautiful.  I don’t mind the work because I love them so much.

Similarly, I don’t think God minds cleansing us from allunrighteousness.  He chose us knowing that we would get dirty.  He loves us so much he doesn’t mind the work of sanctification (on-going cleaning).   He chose us before the foundation of the world.  We are His beloved possession and all we have to do is abide in His presence.  (My floors don’t clean themselves, but they do remain in my house.)

As happy as I am with my dark floors, the analogy eventually breaks down… I do love them, but not with the unfathomable depth with which God loves us.  I wouldn’t die for these floors after all.  Yet, as I kneel to tenderly care for a spot on my floor, I sense His affection for me as He wipes away the dirt in my life—He doesn’t just sweep the surface, He steam-cleans the filth I have hidden deep in my heart. 

He is never shocked or troubled by the dirt, He chose me knowing I’d be this way.  I sense the warmth of His loving gaze and marvel at His devoted care.  With eyes filled with tears, I look to Him and whisper “Oh, King of my heart, thank you for choosing me, thank you for cleansing me, thank you for loving me!”

~~~~~

Colossians 3:12

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

2 Thessalonians 2:13

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

1 Peter 2:9

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

John 15:9

9 Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.