How to deal with mold on your wall
February 2, 2010 by cloften
Filed under Bible, Church and Leadership, Family and Parenting
Clearly I am not a handy-man. If you don’t know that, know it now. Don’t call me for repair projects at your house. I can’t help. I’m no good. I’m willing mind you. I will happily hold the board that you cut. If this is true, then the title of this must be a metaphor for something. Yes, it is.
This is one of my new favorite illustrations that I use when talking to people. I say that I came up with it myself, but then you will tell me that you read it in a book 20 years ago. (Every good illustration that I think I made up, I later read somewhere else that predates my use of it. Some day I will have something original to say, unless this verse is true.)
There is mold on the wall. How do you fix that? There are 3 basic ways. One is to paint over the mold. Ta-da! No more mold. The second is better. You can cut out the piece of sheetrock that has the mold and replace it and repaint. Ta-da! No more mold. The third is the best. Figure out what is causing the mold. Fix that. Then replace the sheetrock. Then paint.
How are you dealing with the problems in your life? The sin issues? Addictions? Pain? Are you painting over them? “Problem, what problem?” Are you just fixing the wall? This is where we deal with each instance as it comes. We need to find the source. Why do you struggle with fear? Why are you so angry with your spouse? Why do do that thing you do when no one else is around? Spend some time in prayer and reflection. Ask God to show you what is going on in your heart. Seek advice and help from a pastor or mentor.
Otherwise the “mold” will just keep coming back.
