Every few months I receive a letter or email that announces an upcoming inspection from the real estate company which manages the property we are renting. Because of the current quarantine restrictions in NSW they will be conducting them remotely and requested pictures of the exterior and each room. Usually we have weeks to prepare for an inspection and finish tidying up on the day, but the photos were requested as soon as possible. We have always found the silver lining in these regular inspections which aid our family to take regular stock in the cleanliness of the place, promotes being tidy and organised, and encourages effort in upkeep of the yard.
Today I learned the difference between tidying up for a physical walkthrough or with photos. As real estate agents and photographers know, pictures are able to capture and present the most flattering views. A stack of papers, various dishes or containers, and loose clothing can be moved out of sight rather than being put away. As I walked through each room and took a picture two things struck me: I was pleased with the overall appearance and condition of our home, and how different the preparation was for pictures rather than a walkthrough. During a walkthrough I had no idea where the associate would go or focus on so all needed to be cleaned well. For pictures, however, I was at the controls and present each room from the best angle.
My mother taught me at a young age the appearance of clean does not mean something has actually been cleaned. Picking up clothes off the floor and stuffing them into a chest of drawers did not constitute "cleaning" up the room to her satisfaction. Clothes were to be folded, surfaces wiped, windows cleaned, and dishes washed, dried, and put away. We naturally put a great deal of emphasis on appearances because that is what we and others can see. Some people put effort into their physical appearance, and others spend time immaculately landscaping their yards or waxing their cars. Even the prophet Samuel was impressed by the kingly bearing of men who God refused because He does not see as man sees, for God looks upon the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
How important is it to address what God sees--the issues of our hearts--rather than working to present ourselves as faultless. Tidying up our appearance by shuffling selfishness into a drawer or hiding our bitterness or lusts from sight of others behind a closet door does nothing to purify our hearts before God. The light of God's Word and the piercing sharpness of it goes straight to the source of the problem within us. The Holy Spirit is able to reveal what our flesh hopes to conceal, and God does so because He loves us and can change us. It is not at a set time but in real time the Spirit of God knows what lies hidden from others in our hearts and minds. His intent is not for us to try in the flesh to "clean up our act" but to stop acting altogether and begin to live as new creations according to His grace, walking by faith, repenting of sin, holy and governed by His love.
Today I learned the difference between tidying up for a physical walkthrough or with photos. As real estate agents and photographers know, pictures are able to capture and present the most flattering views. A stack of papers, various dishes or containers, and loose clothing can be moved out of sight rather than being put away. As I walked through each room and took a picture two things struck me: I was pleased with the overall appearance and condition of our home, and how different the preparation was for pictures rather than a walkthrough. During a walkthrough I had no idea where the associate would go or focus on so all needed to be cleaned well. For pictures, however, I was at the controls and present each room from the best angle.
My mother taught me at a young age the appearance of clean does not mean something has actually been cleaned. Picking up clothes off the floor and stuffing them into a chest of drawers did not constitute "cleaning" up the room to her satisfaction. Clothes were to be folded, surfaces wiped, windows cleaned, and dishes washed, dried, and put away. We naturally put a great deal of emphasis on appearances because that is what we and others can see. Some people put effort into their physical appearance, and others spend time immaculately landscaping their yards or waxing their cars. Even the prophet Samuel was impressed by the kingly bearing of men who God refused because He does not see as man sees, for God looks upon the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
How important is it to address what God sees--the issues of our hearts--rather than working to present ourselves as faultless. Tidying up our appearance by shuffling selfishness into a drawer or hiding our bitterness or lusts from sight of others behind a closet door does nothing to purify our hearts before God. The light of God's Word and the piercing sharpness of it goes straight to the source of the problem within us. The Holy Spirit is able to reveal what our flesh hopes to conceal, and God does so because He loves us and can change us. It is not at a set time but in real time the Spirit of God knows what lies hidden from others in our hearts and minds. His intent is not for us to try in the flesh to "clean up our act" but to stop acting altogether and begin to live as new creations according to His grace, walking by faith, repenting of sin, holy and governed by His love.
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