Throw Everything Out
by Xenia Rachmat
At the beginning of our church renovation, 11 dumpsters were used to take out all that was left in the building. The volunteers should remember these days; they would help lifting all the stuff and ask, “Should I throw this thing?” Others would say, “This one still looks ok, do we need to get rid of it?” My answer was the same: throw everything out . Ever since then, none of the volunteers would ask and they just threw all the stuff out, even though some items were reusable. But we know that it would difficult to renovate the place with all the stuff and junks inside. The only thing was to let them go so we could focus on the renovation.
The same thing applies in our lives. If we want to be quickly “renovated” or restored by God, all our old habits must be tossed. Nothing should be spared: throw everything out . Old way: out. Old attitude: out. Old pattern: out. Get rid of our old selves so that God will have room to work in us.
If we keep just one thing, molds, moths, or germs from the old stuff would pollute the renovated one. That's why we must dispose everything. It doesn't mean that after the renovation there wouldn't be anymore garbage to throw away. Every day we still have new garbage; this is a lifestyle of a Christian. Repentance is a lifestyle: daily repentance, keeping a holy life (in thoughts, words, and actions). This is a lifetime process (maintenance). The important thing is the old clothe has been replaced with a new one. But the new clothe must be regularly washed too so it won't stink.
How to throw everything out:
1. Receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior
2. Be baptized, read and meditate the Bible everyday
3. Pray and ask God to take away the junks and then take the step of faith to throw everything out
4. Still unsuccessful: ask for prayer of deliverance from your pastor
5. Take time to pray and fast for a breakthrough
6. Testify to other the victories you've received so that the enemy's power is weakened