I don’t hear as much about it anymore but when I was younger ladies often spoke of “spring cleaning.” It was a big annual ordeal. Spring cleaning was when you took all the drapes down, moved all the furniture, removed all the cupboard contents and applied new shelf paper and did a thorough in depth scrubbing of every inch of your house.

Well, I think God is getting ready to do a spring cleaning of his church. I can see this scripture come to life as I read: “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17)

Is the church really squeaky clean these days? Rather, haven’t corruption and materialism and sexual sin and compromise crept in? I know the Bible says that Jesus is coming back for a spotless bride but instead it sure looks like her once white dress has been dragging through the mud.

Don’t be surprised when scandals erupt such as the one in the recent past of a prominent Evangelical leader and secret sexual sin. Rather than be dismayed or discouraged, know that God is in the process of deep cleansing. If the Lord pleads for repentance from an individual who resists, the truth will eventually come to public scrutiny.

Right now I think there is much undercover dirt in the church. I suspect that we will be facing more headlines in the days to come. When that happens, don’t lose heart. Jesus is still the head of his church. He knows when it’s time for spring cleaning.