Cleanliness and Godliness: A Biblical Perspective

The phrase "cleanliness is next to godliness" is often quoted to emphasize the importance of personal hygiene and orderliness, suggesting that a clean and orderly life reflects a godly character. While this exact phrase does not appear in the Bible, the underlying principles can be traced through various scriptures that highlight the importance of cleanliness in both physical and spiritual contexts.

The Origin of the Phrase

The saying "cleanliness is next to godliness" has been attributed to John Wesley, an 18th-century Anglican cleric and theologian, who is credited with popularizing Methodism. In one of his sermons, Wesley emphasized the importance of cleanliness, stating:

"Cleanliness is indeed next to godliness, and not only in our persons but in our houses, our furniture, our clothes, and our utensils."

However, the concept of cleanliness as a reflection of one's spiritual state can be found much earlier in biblical texts.

Biblical Cleanliness

Old Testament Perspectives

In the Old Testament, cleanliness was not just about personal hygiene but was deeply intertwined with religious rituals and purity laws. Here are some key points:

Ritual Purity: Leviticus outlines numerous laws regarding cleanliness, particularly in relation to what makes a person or an object ritually clean or unclean. For example, Leviticus 11-15 details laws about food, childbirth, leprosy, and bodily discharges, which all had implications for one's ability to participate in religious ceremonies.
- Leviticus 11:44-45: "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground. I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy."
Sanctification of the Body: The idea of cleanliness extends to the sanctification of the body, which is seen as a temple of God. This principle is hinted at in the command to be holy as God is holy, which implies a state of being set apart, pure, and clean.
Symbolic Cleansing: Many rituals involved washing or bathing, symbolizing spiritual cleansing. For instance, priests were required to wash before entering the sanctuary (Exodus 30:17-21), and the act of washing feet was a sign of humility and purification (Exodus 30:19).

New Testament Insights

The New Testament shifts the focus from ritualistic cleanliness to moral and spiritual purity:

Inner Purity: Jesus often criticized the Pharisees for focusing on external cleanliness while neglecting inner purity.
- Matthew 23:25-26: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."
Baptism: The act of baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins, representing a new life in Christ, which is a form of spiritual cleanliness.
- Acts 22:16: "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name."
Living Water: Jesus speaks of living water, which is often interpreted as the Holy Spirit, cleansing and purifying from within.
- John 7:38: "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."

Cleanliness in Christian Living

Personal Hygiene and Godliness

While the Bible does not explicitly state that personal cleanliness is a direct reflection of one's godliness, there are several reasons why Christians might uphold cleanliness:

Respect for the Body: The body is considered a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and thus, maintaining cleanliness can be seen as an act of respect and stewardship.
Witness to Others: A clean and orderly life can serve as a witness to others about the transformative power of faith. It reflects discipline, self-control, and care, which are fruits of the Spirit.
Health and Well-being: Cleanliness promotes health, which in turn allows for a more effective service to God and others.

Spiritual Cleanliness

The spiritual aspect of cleanliness is perhaps more emphasized:

Confession and Repentance: Regular confession of sins and repentance are acts of spiritual cleansing, aligning oneself with God's will.
Purity of Heart: Jesus teaches that purity of heart is paramount, which involves a clean conscience and a life free from deceit, malice, and hypocrisy.
Holiness: The pursuit of holiness involves separating oneself from sin, which can be seen as a form of spiritual cleanliness.

Practical Applications

In Daily Life

Home and Environment: Keeping one's home clean can be an act of hospitality, making it welcoming for others and conducive for spiritual practices like prayer and Bible study.
Personal Appearance: While not a mandate, presenting oneself in a neat and clean manner can reflect one's respect for oneself and others, as well as for the divine presence within.

In the Church

Church Maintenance: The cleanliness of church buildings is often seen as a reflection of the reverence for God. A well-kept church can inspire worship and respect.
Community Service: Engaging in cleanliness drives or community clean-up projects can be acts of service, reflecting the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Conclusion

While the phrase "cleanliness is next to godliness" might not be directly biblical, the principles it embodies are deeply rooted in scripture. Cleanliness, both physical and spiritual, serves as a metaphor for the purity and holiness that Christians are called to pursue. It reflects an inner transformation, a life dedicated to God, and a commitment to live out the teachings of Jesus in practical, everyday ways. Through cleanliness, one can honor God, serve others, and maintain a clear conscience, embodying the essence of godliness in a world that often overlooks the spiritual significance of such mundane acts.