YOU ARE CALLED TO BE A DUST BUSTER

Each of us is responsible for a certain level of cleanliness in our surroundings. It may be your side of the bedroom, the garage, your office, your files, or your home. Regardless of the size, certain standards of organization are required.

You need to bust these attitudes about cleaning:

• I'll clean my space, but I won't enjoy it. These Bible verses prescribe what your attitude should be: Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men (Col. 3:23); God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7); and Do all things without grumbling or disputing (Phil. 2:14).

• I'm above housework. You may feel that you are too good to be doing menial labor. After all, maybe you went to college, or have advanced degrees. No matter what your job, there are some thankless tasks that are a part of all jobs (opening mail, making coffee, doing research). If you choose to be like Christ, you must remember that there was nothing too simple or menial for Jesus to do as He served others.

• I'm not good at cleaning, so why bother? God desires that we let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner (1 Cor. 14:40). You aren't required to achieve perfection, but just to do what it takes in order to make life run on as smooth a track as possible. Your standards and styles of cleaning may vary. Try to develop a realistic goal of cleanliness that makes you, and those around you, comfortable.

• Given the circumstances, it's impossible. You may think that because you have young children at home, or because your office is shared by others, it's beyond hope that your space can remain clean. It is possible to maintain a level of order, especially if you organize, create a workable plan, and learn to delegate. Get rid of as much extraneous material as possible and arrange your home or office in the most logical (not always the traditional) fashion. Schedule time in your daily schedule to maintain order. Train and expect those who share your space to contribute to its order (children, spouse, co-workers).

• It's not really that important. This is, in part, true. While certain levels of cleanliness are important, the true value of life is the relationships we form with those around us. Mary and Martha, the sisters from the Bible, are examples of the proper focus. We are called to enjoy the blessings of the Lord's presence, like Mary, yet balance it with the sense of responsibility of Martha.