There is a theory called, “broken windows” which holds that ignoring the little problems such as graffiti, litter, or broken windows creates a sense of irreversible decline that leads people to abandon the community or to stay away. Therefore, the theory states that vandalism and other crimes can be preventive by well maintaining and monitoring urban environments. Both theory and practice have been embraced by some big city mayors, most notably Rudy Giuliani. Since the implementation of new policy, the crime rate has dropped in 1990s in New York City.
Even at home when a certain part of the house is messy, then there is less guilty feeling in not cleaning after myself since it was messy to begin with. If a few dishes were not washed, then adding a couple more dishes to be washed seems no big deal and that is the precise the human nature described in this theory.
I believe this theory also applies in our spiritual life, too. When we don repent of our sin and be cleansed by His blood but ignore it because we think of our sin as insignificant, that’s when we “walk in the way of sinners and sit in the seat of mockers” (Psalm 1:1). No wonder King David wrote “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). Let’s not wait but quickly fix those “broken windows” in our lives through His grace.
I hope and pray that we would regularly search our heart to confess and repent of our sin so that we may offer our bodies as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Rom. 12:1).
Have a wonderful week!