ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 5, 2026
When I was in Indianapolis last week for the Board Meeting of the Christian Church Foundation, the hotel did not have hot water. It was a nice hotel, and they were apologetic, but both mornings I took a very cold shower. Talking to others, they heated up small containers of water in their microwaves and did what some call a sponge bath. That was creative, but both mornings, I went to the gym. I needed more than a sponge bath, though I can’t say I spent a lot of time in the cold water. The first morning, after the shower and getting ready, I’m glad I took a quick look in the mirror before heading down for our meeting. Because I didn’t spend as much time under the flow of water, I didn’t rinse off as well as I usually would. And come to find out, I had a bunch of soap in my left ear. The people with whom I serve on the Board are all incredibly kind, but it still would have been a bit awkward for someone to say, “Hey Bruce, you’ve got a bunch of white gunk in your ear.”
I don’t want to go overboard with the analogy, but when we try to do anything too quickly, there are usually repercussions. In regard to spiritual practices, including confession, it’s not something that can be done quickly if it is going to be done effectively. As we try to rid ourselves of the gunk in our lives, whether we are talking about bitterness, anger, or resentment, a quick prayer asking God to take it away is probably not going to bring the desired outcome. Or if you are feeling the weight of guilt, a quick spritz of the Holy Spirit will most likely leave you still struggling with guilt. The gunk won’t necessarily be found in your left ear, but taking the time over a period of time is what will bring needed and lasting change.
Holy God, Holy Gift of Grace, we are mindful of many things we are in need of relinquishing in our lives. There are numerous feelings that are neither healthy nor helpful for those of us seeking to follow Jesus. Teach us the importance of taking time with ourselves, never pushing the process along in search of a quick fix. Amen.
