Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

 When was the last time you checked the filter in your home air conditioner? Many parts of the country are experiencing hot weather conditions, which means those AC units are running almost non-stop, mine included. One of the most essential things you can do to ensure the health of your AC unit is change out the filter on a regular basis, like once a month. That filter captures any airborne particles and dust that can clog your system, making it difficult to operate, and overtime can freeze up the unit. I once had a friend who complained their AC unit wasn’t working, they pulled the filter out and discovered it was covered with almost an inch of dust and dirt.

 So, what does dirty AC filters have to do with today’s blog or the scripture in Psalm 51:10. As human beings we are constantly bombarded by worldly views, lyrics of music, people’s thoughts, deceptive media reports, and toxic social media platforms. Combined, these can pollute the mind and heart with things that are not holy, and go against God’s standards of living for His children. Left unchecked, our dirty heart can steer our decisions in the wrong direction, and pretty soon, we take on more of a worldly appearance.

 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

 How can you live in the world, but not let it dirty your heart? Come to God daily, sometimes hourly, and ask Him to cleanse your heart of the toxic things you’ve seen, heard, and experienced. Staying connected with God, through continual prayer, is one way to ensure those toxic things don’t get to the heart, and shields you from making worldly decisions. As I type this blog, I remind myself that I have areas of my life that need to be cleansed and purified from what’s impacted me over the past few days.

 It will be difficult to live like a child of God when you allow the world’s particles of lust, greed, prejudice, judgment, and such, to infiltrate your heart. Come clean by staying engaged in God’s word and speaking to Him on a regular basis. God needs His children to be effective in their families and communities for Jesus Christ. God bless!