Chapter 8 - Physical Cleaning
Removing the Bad
Genesis 1:24-25 – Then God said, 'Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind'; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”
Comparing this passage with physical and mental cleaning shows a shared theme of order and purpose, describing God's creation of creatures "according to their kind". His declaration that it is "good" emphasizes His deliberate design and structure of creation, where each creature has a specific role in the ecosystem.
Similarly, cleaning and organizing your space restores order and purpose, transforming your chaotic or cluttered environment. By putting each item in its designated place or removing unnecessary ones, you can learn how to make that space work best for you. You transform it based on your unique personality. This may require trial and error.
While these two verses emphasize the creation of land creatures, the entire story of Genesis 1 starts with a formless, empty earth that God then transforms into a structured world filled with incredible creatures. Similarly, cleaning a physical space clears clutter and chaos, restoring it to its intended purpose.
Genesis 1 describes human creation in God's image. It encompasses the command to care for and rule over creation. This suggests a duty to uphold the order and goodness that God established.
Remember, you are responsible for caring for what God has entrusted to you. Cleaning and maintaining your living spaces can be viewed as acts of stewardship—caring for what has been given to you.
Maintaining cleanliness and order is essential. Creation required order before it was considered pleasing to God. Similarly, keeping your space tidy and organized promotes peace, productivity, and usefulness. Your purposeful design creates an organized, functional environment.
Start making a plan to declutter and bring your home and your life back to basics as much as possible. Less really can be more. The day you have had enough, will be the day it gets done.
The world is full of things that are not good for you. Start by reducing the use of cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals. Then, start removing everything scented. These man-made ingredients are hormone disruptors. Choose natural alternatives. Take the time to look at the labels of the things you are bringing into your home and exposing your family to.
List the things that come to mind that you need to get rid of immediately:
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What has God entrusted you with that you need to care for?
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How can you be a better steward of these things?
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Does your home foster a sense of peace, productivity, and functionality? What can you do to improve these areas?
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How would you rank your home and what you allow into it on a scale of 1-10? (with 1 being NEVER and 10 EVERY DAY) What can you do to improve these areas?
Ungodly music ____ Ungodly TV ____
Mindless Scrollling ____ Cursing ____
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Brain Teaser:
Genesis 1:24-25 – Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
Do you think what you say, see, and hear can have a positive or negative effect on your life? Can it actually direct your path?
What do you think?
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Google AI Overview states:
Listening to negative music can potentially influence your mood, thoughts, and behaviors, both in the short term and long term. While some individuals find that sad music can be cathartic or help them process emotions, excessive exposure to negative or violent lyrics can lead to increased negative emotions, rumination, and even perpetuate unhealthy thought patterns.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Emotional Impact: Music, especially lyrics, can deeply resonate with our emotions. Negative music can trigger or amplify negative emotions like sadness, anger, or anxiety.
Cognitive Effects: Repeated exposure to negative lyrics can influence how you perceive the world, potentially normalizing unhealthy behaviors or reinforcing negative thought patterns.
Behavioral Effects: Some research suggests that violent or aggressive lyrics can increase aggressive thoughts and behaviors.
Rumination: For some, particularly those prone to overthinking, sad music can intensify negative thought patterns and lead to rumination, potentially worsening anxiety or depression. The impact of music varies. Some find sad music to be cathartic, while others may find it detrimental to their mental health.
Coping Mechanisms: It's crucial to be mindful of how music affects you and use it as a tool for emotion regulation, rather than a way to reinforce negative thought patterns or create unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Positive Music: Conversely, listening to positive or uplifting music can improve mood, increase optimism, and even enhance cognitive performance
