Modern nations which trace their ancestry from ancient Israel have an on-going tradition of “Spring Cleaning” activity. What is this all about? Where did it come from? Are there benefits and lessons which we can derive from such practice? Please read on.

As we approach the spring festivals (Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread), and being Gentiles by race, it would be good and appropriate for us to look into an annual practice observed by nations of Israelite descent, and learn something beneficial for us.

It is said that, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” While this statement is not an actual verse from the Bible, the principle is biblical. The ancient patriarchs lived their lives in accordance with God’s revealed way of life and laws. And when the nation of Israel was born, God taught this people noble and wise practices that hopefully will set them as good example for all the nations of this earth to follow.

At the first month of the Hebrew calendar year which is at springtime (in the month of Abib or Nisan, Exodus 12:2; 13:4), God commanded the Passover to be observed on the 14th, followed by the Days of Unleavened Bread (DUB). This festival of Unleavened Bread is preceded by a cleaning of their homes to remove any leavening ingredients or leavened products found therein (Exodus 13:7; Deuteronomy 16:4a).

Following this command therefore, the Israelites prepared meticulously for the DUB by cleaning every corner in their homes, getting rid of any leavening product. Eventually, this became a yearly practice. Since this general cleaning activity occurred at springtime every year, it eventually became known as the “Spring Cleaning” season or activity. In our present age of computers, entering the search words “Spring Cleaning” in the Internet brings up many references and helpful tips to this practice among Israelitish descendants. It has become a common custom.

Among such nations, the standard practice is to conduct a once-a-year general cleaning of homes from ceiling to floor and from corner to corner, removing all dirt and dust which has accumulated through the year. Not only that, every drawer, closet, and cabinet has to also be cleaned and inspected for any item which are no longer needed.

What to do with such items which are no longer needed? This is where “rummage” or “garage sales” came into play. Other people may still have need for shoes and clothes outgrown by members of one family, or school books which are no longer needed because the children have moved on to higher grades. Of course, there are many other miscellaneous items which are no longer useful to a certain family, but which may still be useful to another. Some of these can be sold, given away, or donated to charity. The more one can unload or remove useless item, the lighter and cleaner one’s mind and feelings becomes.

In our age of computers, it would also be a good time to delete files which are no longer needed. Those who use computers know that when useless files are deleted, the computer works faster and more efficiently. This should also be a reflection of our personal lives.

The Spiritual Principle

Of course, for us church members, the ultimate goal in all these physical practices (which are helpful because we are still physical) are the SPIRITUAL aspects. Such activities as giving and cleaning should eventually be directed toward the spiritual aspect of everyone’s life. Bad habits, attitudes, and practices should also be rooted out from our lives. As the apostle Paul said, “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).

Furthermore in this regard, Scriptures admonishes us concerning our spiritual race or journey, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside EVERY WEIGHT, and the SIN which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

As we practice the physical aspects of unleavening, serving, and giving, we also develop in us the more important spiritual principles as well. Such are some of the great lessons in the observance of the Days of Unleavened Bread in the New Testament setting. n

[Note: In our affiliation with the Church of God for about 40 years now, we have to some extent followed this “Spring Cleaning”custom, having initially learned about it from the assigned regional directors to the Philippines.]