The only creatures I know who like to root around in piles of dirty laundry are dogs. The smellier the better as far as man’s best friend is concerned. The rest of us consider laundry nose friendly only when it is clean and fresh from the dryer. So when we talk about airing our dirty laundry we are talking about unpleasant stuff.

What happens when the Church has dirty laundry? It stinks not only to us but to the whole world and makes us an offense, better avoided. That’s sad because we are supposed to be the fragrance of Christ to those who don’t know him yet.

Still, there is a good side to exposing the dirty laundry within our ranks. There is also a warning. “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17) The world has some dirt too so smugness won’t ultimately hold well.

Actually, it is to our advantage that every filthy garment be brought to the light. How can we begin the cleansing when there is no indication of the need of it? How can repentance, deliverance and healing take place when dirty laundry is stuffed in a closet corner out of site?

Once clean, doesn’t the church have the clear advantage? Having received the grace of Christ we can offer it. Smarting from the world’s severe judgment, we can offer humble help to others coming after us who need a thorough washing.

Let’s examine our house closely. I’d rather see it than hide it if there is any more dirty laundry out there.