Text: Genesis 18:1-4
Memory text:
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
III John 1:2 NKJV
Biblical laws of cleanliness, washings, and purification were not all merely customs or rituals. Instead, they were instituted to protect the camp of Israel from diseases and deadly plagues. For example, the religious and hospitality custom of foot washing among the Jews was also for hygiene purposes. Since most Jews wore sandals as their foot wears as they trekked through the dusty desert terrain, foot washing was done to welcome a person into the house and before sitting to dine (Luke 7:44). The priests who minister to the people were also required to wash before entering the holy place (Exo 30:19-21). In this way, germs contacted from outside were prevented from spreading among the people. The hands and feet were the parts of the body most easily soiled and were required to be washed.
As commonly said, “Cleanliness is nearness to godliness”. Believers must be identified with spiritual and physical cleanliness, being children of the most holy God, who can not dwell in uncleanliness.
Good personal hygiene is vital because it keeps us from getting sick. God’s perfect will for us is to be in health and not to seek to be healed (3 John 2). Good hygiene also keeps us from spreading germs and infectious diseases. The germs that cause many diseases can be passed on by touching other people, touching faeces or other body fluids, touching dirty surfaces, objects, and contaminated food with the hands.
It is not hygienic to return home and go into your bedroom with your footwear. Your pair of socks shouldn’t be used until it begins to stench before washing. The first thing to do anytime you return home is to wash your hands before drinking water or eating, no matter how thirsty or hungry you are. Always wash your hands after using the toilet and after touching any dirty surfaces, dust bins, or contaminated things. Wash before and after preparing or eating food; after changing a baby’s nappy; after handling pets or animals; after cleaning up vomit or body fluids; and before and after treating cuts or wounds on yourself or others. Wash as soon as you step out after any hospital visit. Always cover your nose with your shoulder and not your hands when you sneeze or cough and wash your hands immediately if you do and before shaking or touching someone’s hand.
Friends, always be considerate in all you do. A hygienic lifestyle makes you a blessing to others and not a curse.
Prayer points
1. Father, help me to develop a habit of cleanliness, so I can be free from germs and from spreading them, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, please, move me from being healed to enjoying good health in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. As I follow God’s laws of hygiene and walk in His covenant of health, I move from being healed to enjoying good health.
2. As I practice cleanliness and hygiene, I don’t only protect myself, but I also protect others.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng