How God Can Teach Us Even While Taking Out the Trash

God can inspire, teach, and even help each of us—yes, even while we’re taking out the trash!

This morning, as I rolled the trash out to the curb for pickup, I couldn't help but think about the endless amount of "trash" that accumulates in our lives. It’s amazing how much garbage my wife and I can gather in just one week. I’m sure that, as our Lord Jesus Christ watches over us, He must be astounded by the amount of "trash" (or sin) that piles up within us. While we may not be hardened criminals, we often have what we consider to be "small" sins tucked away in the crevices of our lives.

Sin Is Sin—No Matter the Size

What we must remember is that sin is sin, period. Regardless of how society might categorize our sin, all sin accomplishes the same thing: it separates us from a proper relationship with our Holy Father. Whether it’s the act of murder— which clearly hinders our relationship with both God and man—or a “little white lie,” both actions separate us from God.

Yes, a murder carries a far greater penalty and more significant consequences than a “little white lie,” but both offenses hurt the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ and create a divide between us and Him.

The Need for Self-Examination

As Christians, we need constant self-reflection. We should be examining our lives regularly and aligning ourselves with God's will. In Haggai 1:5-7, the Lord calls His people to "give careful thought to your ways." The people of Judah had been focused on themselves, tending to their homes, crops, and personal needs, while the house of God lay in ruin. They were being self-centered rather than God-centered. As a result, they experienced God's judgment in the form of a drought until they repented and returned to focusing on His work.

The Dangers of Small Sins

Just like trash, small sins accumulate over time. These little transgressions hinder our relationship with Jesus, leading to judgment and fewer blessings in our lives. The more we ignore these small sins, the more they pile up, blocking us from experiencing the fullness of God's love and grace.

Taking Out the Trash in Our Lives

Therefore, let us make a habit of "taking out the trash" in our lives—clearing out the sins, big or small, that hinder our relationship with Jesus. By doing so, we can enjoy a deeper connection with Him and experience the fullness of His blessings.

May we continually strive to align ourselves with God’s will, cleaning out the clutter in our hearts, and maintaining a close relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.