What the Bible Says About Cleaning Your Home?

Why do so many people hate cleaning?

How would I know that when I’ve always loved cleaning? It’s my all-time favorite thing to do.

Ok, ok, I’m lying. I’m a little ashamed to admit this, but I really used to hate cleaning. Like hating it so much I wanted to fit all the rooms out as wet rooms with a plug hole in the center so as I could hose the walls and everything instead of dusting and sweeping – and I know I’m exaggerating!

The thing is, I couldn’t understand the logic behind mopping the same floor , scrubbing the same dishes and washing the same clothes, day after day after day after day….For me, cleaning was not only boring but also horrible and very repetitive. I mean, why stress out on cleaning when the house is going to be dirty all over again?

Back then, if you had visited my house, you’d have been shocked by the disaster. I was practically living in a pigsty. With all the boxes and piles of stuff stacked everywhere, people often thought I was relocating. Even one of my showers was unusable because it was piled high with stuff. At one point, I even remember spending a fortune on a jewelry cabinet that was discreetly disguised as a mirror just to make putting away big balls of tangled necklaces less of a chore.

But, then, one day, while reading the Bible (that’s right, I’m a believer and follower of Jesus Christ), I came across this one verse that said:  “She looks well to the ways of her household…” This verse comes from Proverbs 31: 27. At that particular moment, I started imagining how Jesus would have reacted if He had walked in my house.

Today, many (including me) have justified their inability to clean regularly because of how modern life is making them busier than ever, especially with the work/life misbalance brought by the pandemic. But, as a Christian, what is your responsibility towards home cleaning? And, what does the Bible say about cleaning your home?

Cleanliness Is Godliness

“Wash and make yourselves clean.”

– From Isaiah 1:16

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

– From 1 Corinthians 14:40

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.”

– From Proverbs 24:3

Did you know that as per Biblical scriptures, cleanliness and spiritual purity are intricately connected?

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” This saying was created by John Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism. However, the true origins of this phrase go way back to the Old Testament, in the book of Leviticus.

Back then, Jehovah established an important principle so as His people could participate in the worship rituals. It was about cleanliness. Complete purification was a matter of extreme significance in Israelite worship. It was also a means to show sinners how they needed to be cleansed from iniquity and their sins in order to go close to God.

“…you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

– From Exodus 19:6

Yahweh wanted His people to be a pure and holy nation. And, hence holiness had to be reflected even in the house of Jews. Cleanliness was given utmost priority because of the spiritual virtues that God revealed to His people.

Remember that even in the New Testament, God required His people to be “clean” and holy.

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do…”

– From 1 Peter 1:15

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

– From Hebrews 12:14

Personally, I believe these Bible verses are meant to be interpreted as inspirations for us to keep our homes clean, neat and tidy.