Author Darlene J. Conard  

 Graduation ceremonies require robes, matching hats, and tassels. Boys differ from girls in color to identify them. A graduating student wouldn’t dress in sports attire to receive their diploma. The same applies to most work facilities. A surgeon wouldn’t wear a three-piece suit to perform surgery on their patient. An officer wears their uniform as a representative of law and order. Responsibilities come with the position of every profession.  

Our spiritual health Is crucial.  Our inward condition will manifest. I am not in the habit of watching people’s every move. I do pay attention to how they treat others, especially in the ministry. Superiority complex, entitlement, and arrogance, I’ve seen it all. Some people have taught me how not to be. Constantly I am searching myself. I pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 KJV 

Please don’t misunderstand me as being judgmental.  (Matthew 7:16-18 KJV) “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” Verse 20 in the same chapter says, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Are they being, kind, caring, loving, meek, and gentle?”  (Galatians 5:22-23) KJV 

I have specific boundaries concerning items to salvage. If it is defective it goes in the trash. If I no longer wear certain clothing, they are passed to someone. Years ago, I learned something valuable getting ready to move into my apartment. My room visually appeared nice, clean and in order until I started packing. Things that meant so much to me from letters, pictures, stationary, drawings, knickknacks were stuffed under and behind furniture. Completely forgotten treasures, at least what I thought were treasures, lay buried beneath several inches of dust.  Blowing away the dust and coughing at the same time I began disposing unnecessary things away. At one time it meant something, now I am ready for a new beginning.  

Hoarders become massive collectors of things for psychological reasons. The items, junk or not, are a prized possession to them. Many that I have talked to say surrounding themselves makes them feel safe and secure. They don’t see the Avenue of danger they’ve created. Some say they don’t like waste, so they salvage it for recycling. It never gets to that process.  

 It’s due to a hurting, fearful soul that hasn’t addressed traumatizing situations in their life.  

For too long we hold on to hate, jealousy, and a need for vengeance, the list goes on. It’s not about keeping score of the things wrong. It’s about understanding God didn’t intend for those to be there and has a replacement.  

Spiritual clutter is real. Our prayer closet is meant to enter in, throw away rags, and disconnect from poisonous soul ties that control our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Lazarus didn’t remain in graveclothes when Jesus called him forth. They were removed. (John 11:1-44) Without realizing it we can spiritually remain in grave clothes. Hate, graveclothes, jealousy, graveclothes, vengeance, graveclothes: take off those graveclothes and put on Christ.  

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 KJV  

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