What does it take to get and stay clean? We are all familiar with the need to have clean oil running in our cars. The old oil is let out and new oil is let in.

In the same way most humans come to the realization that they are dying. They might have all the “toys” in the world – but they do not have contentment. The “old oil” is just not working. They try to do the best they can. They might even have a list of things they do, like watch TV church, help their neighbors, and give to people in need. But still, they know something is missing.

Now, what you do with that realization can make all the difference. This week I met one such soul. All the Prozac in the world and constant mindful meditation was not going to delay that knowledge – “I feel something is missing”.

Friend, when you realize you have “old oil” running your life you know it is dead, decaying, and stinking. God makes a provision for just such an event: Romans 6:3–4 (ESV) — 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

We need to be buried with Christ – not as a sign of our outward faith (as taught by false teachers) but because we are dead.

But between oil changes, how does the oil in our car stay clean? Again, we all know the answer to this one – an oil filter.

So, what does “staying clean” look like for a Christian?

Firstly, our oil filter is constant confession. 1 John 1:9 (ESV) — 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. James 5:16 (ESV) — 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Secondly, it is daily seeking God. Deuteronomy 4:29 (ESV) — 29 But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. Matthew 6:33 (ESV) — 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

And finally, it is finding and joining a church family that’s first love is Jesus and accurately handles the word of truth.

Revelation 2:4–5 (ESV) — 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) — 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.