I never left the police firing range without cleaning my handgun. “A dirty firearm is an inoperable weapon,” the rangemaster would bark. While that statement might be a slight exaggeration, the chance of a misfire dramatically increases with a filthy weapon. Regular firearm maintenance is crucial for safety and reliability.
Recently, I went shooting with a group of guys from church, and I let a few days pass without cleaning my guns. Finally, the guilt overwhelmed me. I pulled the weapons out, broke them down, and cleaned each one inside and out. This experience reminded me of a deeper principle, a biblical one: purifying your heart.
Had the apostle James been a rangemaster, he might have declared, “Draw near to your training, and it will never fail you. Cleanse your firearms, you slackers, and purify your barrels, you who think it is unnecessary.” But he was a trainer of a different sort. The brother of Christ had become a devout apostle when he wrote, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8 ESV).
For those who can identify with the illustration, think of your spiritual life in these terms. Just like basic weapons training counsels users to keep their firearms serviceable by keeping them clean, basic Christianity does the same by admonishing us to “cleanse our hands,” and “purify our hearts.” It’s about maintaining a clear and functional relationship with God, just as cleaning a firearm ensures its proper function.
“Break Free” is a fabulous cleaning product for weapons. It works as a solvent and lubricant. The Bible is God’s revelation to humanity, which is mired in relational sludge, grime, and oily residue of every sort. Scripture is a superb cleansing product for our heart. It also works as a solvent and lubricant, helping us break down that which needs to be expelled, and lubricates our life to help us flourish. It is more than a metaphor, it is a message of hope that will never misfire!
Just as regular cleaning prevents malfunctions in a firearm, consistent engagement with scripture and prayer helps to remove the “grime” that accumulates in our lives, allowing us to operate with greater clarity and effectiveness in our faith. This process of spiritual purification is essential for maintaining a strong and healthy relationship with God. Neglecting this purification can lead to spiritual “misfires,” hindering our ability to live out our faith fully. Therefore, we must diligently cleanse our hands and purify our hearts, ensuring that we are always ready to serve and honor God.
-Jim