Counsel #20 — Cleanliness

Picture: Counsel #20 — CleanlinessCWe 249.1

The Bible reminds us to do everything in order and with decency^{[282]1 Corinthians 14:40} — this includes our home environment as well. Many families don’t prioritize cleanliness, but a clean home is essential for physical health and emotional well-being.CWe 249.2

Despite the common assumption, keeping your house clean doesn’t require perfection. Instead, simple, consistent habits like making the bed, washing the dishes after meals, doing laundry, and regularly organizing cluttered spaces in the home can significantly build discipline and respect for shared spaces. Surprisingly, a clean home reduces stress and anxiety, improves focus and productivity, and boosts your mood. Regular cleaning also helps eliminate dust, mold, and bacteria from surfaces, reducing allergies, infections, and other respiratory issues. Additionally, a clean home reduces the risks of accidents for children by removing “unnecessary” items that could cause falls and other household injuries. Even if you live a sedentary lifestyle, cleaning your house regularly can encourage physical activity and introduce a desire to become more active. Overall, a well-maintained home is required to make your living space a sanctuary for both the body and mind.^{[283] https://shilohbrooklyn.org/cleanliness/} CWe 249.3

“If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” 1 Timothy 3:5 NIVCWe 249.4

“Unclean, neglected corners in the house will tend to make impure, neglected corners in the soul.” Ellen White in Child Guidance, p. 114CWe 249.5

Reflect: If you’re being honest, do you have more clean areas in your home or cluttered?CWe 249.6