The rain has fallen in significant amounts. Waterways are flooded over its banks. As the sun rises, the reflection of the light and shadow of the trees is magnificent to behold.

But the trash, y’all!

The trash that people so haphazardly dispose of in or near the water, obscures a perfect picture.

Plastic bottles, pieces of styrofoam coolers, plastic bags, are all floating along. It is difficult to ignore even though in comparison to the beauty, it is a small thing.

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A17&version=ESV

Clean Up the Trash

It is a reminder that I need to clean up the ‘trash’ in my life. It may be what I consider small things, but in the eyes of a bystander, it looms big and destroys my witness as a Christian. It may be something like complaining impatiently in a checkout line. Perhaps a rude or unkind word is spoken to a waitress or employee, friend or neighbor. Or maybe neglecting a sick or elderly neighbor that simply would love a visit. These seem like small, insignificant things, but to the person watching, it looms big like the trash floating in the water.

The Beauty of Jesus in You

The Bible tells us that we sin when we know the right thing to do, but do not. We know how God expects us to act. The encouraging words we should say. The kindness we need to show to others. The love that should flow through us as we represent Jesus Christ. Don’t be like that piece of garbage on the river that obscures the beauty of Jesus in you.

https://youtu.be/2BfZ3KKKg9c  Clean by Natalie Grant

Gentle Reminder

As we observe the trash along the highway or waterway, may it be a gentle reminder of how the ‘trash’ in our lives should not be allowed to litter and destroy our witness to others.