Holes Or Holiness

Suppose you had only one pair of socks to wear every day, and they were extremely "Worn." Let's say the heel of those socks were wearing thin and full of holes. Then suppose someone noticed your "Holy- worn" socks and offered you a brand new pair – a real thick pair of socks. A pair of socks that were cushy feeling, kept your feet warm and well protected. What would you do? Would you keep the old ones because they were "Worn-in" and somehow comfortable to you, or would you gladly take the new pair?

This may sound like a strange question, but in reality, this illustration fits our lives. The "Worn" socks are in effect our lives. Lives that have been shattered, hurt and damaged. Lives that have major holes in them because of events in our lives – things we will not let go of. Things like hurt, anger, resentment, and unforgiveness. Perhaps others caused the holes – holes not created by you, but you won't let go of them. Are you determined to hang on to them – so much so that you cannot let go of the old and reach for the new? The new socks represent forgiveness, kindness, gentleness, peace, joy, trust, and love, and yet to receive these, you have to let go of the old.

Ephesians 4:31 tells us: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger be put away from you along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

Sometimes we get so "Comfortable" we don't know how to change or even to accept change. We decide we'll change when the other person who hurt us makes the first move. That person though may never attempt to make the move you're expecting – but you can. Unforgiveness for one causes "holes" in our lives, and pretty soon, the "Hole" will get so large that the bottom falls out. The weights of bitterness and anger build on top of unforgiveness, and gets out of control.

You cannot go back and undo all the hurts and wrongs done to you – but you can choose to move forward. You can decide to do away with "Holy worn out socks" and choose to be clothed in Christ and always be warm, perfect, and always protected and loved. If you have "Holes" or "Worn out" places in your heart, let go of all of it and let Him cover you in His love and peace.

Decide what you really need and desire: Is it "Holes" or "Holiness?"