It is time for a major Cleanup

Dr. J. Hernes M. Abante

1 Peter 5:6-11 - “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

As we approach 2026, it presents a unique opportunity to start anew, to engage in a thorough spiritual and personal renewal. Let us undertake a deep-cleaning of our mortal house—our hearts, minds, and lives—and eliminate the burdens, sins, and distractions that cause weariness and spiritual stagnation. What better way to accomplish this than by surrendering all these burdens to God? This is the core message of today’s devotional.

The global struggles initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the challenges we are facing today have resulted in widespread adverse effects on our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. These challenges have impacted all individuals, including faithful believers. We have witnessed many who, after initially standing strong, have fallen away, becoming spiritual casualties who have abandoned their faith or retreating into worldly behaviors. Others have become so weakened that they struggle even to find enthusiasm for the ministry.

I have personally observed devoted believers who have served faithfully for years, yet now find themselves unable to take even a single step of faith—hesitant or fearful to come for worship or fellowship. This confusion prompts us to ask: what has caused such profound change? We must honestly admit that we, too, have been affected in various ways.

One significant reason is that many of us have allowed ourselves to be burdened by the cares of this world—such as financial worries, health concerns, and family struggles—along with emotional baggage like past regrets, guilt, and unresolved conflicts. These things have tested the very foundation of our spiritual lives, often leaving us feeling broken or wanting.

Some have fallen into the trap of pride—boasting of past successes in faith or service—while failing to remain humble and vigilant in the face of future challenges. Like the biblical ants, who prepare and store food for winter, these individuals presumed their own invincibility, and when difficulties struck unexpectedly, they found themselves unprepared. Pride’s grip on their hearts prevented them from seeking spiritual preparation or humility.

The Apostle Peter himself can relate to this tendency. Throughout his walk with Jesus, Peter often made impulsive, prideful statements—such as asserting that he would never deny Christ—only to regret them later. In this epistle, Peter emphasizes the importance of beginning the process of spiritual cleansing from within, starting with humility before God.

Spiritual renewal and cleansing start with an honest self-examination—taking inventory of our hearts, acknowledging the burdens and sins we have carried from the past, and surrendering everything to God. He will reveal what is unworthy to remain—especially pride—and help us remove it. Without discarding pride, the desire to release burdens and attachments diminishes, leaving us unable to let go entirely.

As we free ourselves from pride, we become more willing to release the cares we previously believed we could manage alone—the worries, responsibilities, and weights that God initially allowed to strengthen us spiritually. Instead of holding onto these for selfish reasons, we should view them as opportunities for growth and reliance on divine strength.

Looking ahead to our journey in 2026, we are called to cast all our cares upon Jesus Christ—surrendering our worries and burdens entirely into His capable hands. This act of surrender requires us to relinquish control, to not hoard or cling to our burdens, so that God can determine what truly needs to be carried forward to accordance with His divine plan.

Peter reassures us that we should give our cares to God because He genuinely cares for us—not merely as a poetic phrase, but as a profound spiritual truth. Often, what we think or believe is benevolent help can become a burden when we insist on handling everything ourselves, assuming we are the only ones capable.

I have seen many well-meaning people with generous hearts, motivated by genuine love and concern, become overwhelmed by the weight of their cares. Sadly, this often leads them to lose the joy and spiritual fervor that initially motivated their service. Their cares become burdens; instead of producing joy and growth, they create exhaustion and frustration.

Reflecting on Peter’s own life—how he, driven by love and zeal, made many impulsive mistakes—reminds us that even sincere efforts can be tainted by pride and arrogance, leading to regret. His experiences serve as cautionary tales. How many of us began with pure motives but allowed circumstances or pride to turn our efforts into burdens and curses?

Our well-intentioned care can sometimes become a heavy yoke instead of a blessing. It is time for soul-searching and spiritual renewal to reset our hearts and lives as we continue in 2026 with renewed faith and reliance on God's will.