Brethren, today is the first Day of the Days of Unleavened Bread. This Holy Day is so rich in spiritual lessons derived from physical actions. By keeping the physical aspect of the DUB, we learn powerful lessons we can apply in our spiritual life.
Now, one of the most important commands during the Days of Unleavened Bread is the removal of leaven out from our dwelling place and in most cases, we obey this command through what we call spring cleaning. To make sure that we truly follow this command, we don’t simply clean our house, but we do a deeper cleaning, which we often call spring cleaning.
I believe most of us would be able to relate to spring cleaning. I would say most of us, if not all, have experienced doing spring cleaning. As I was doing spring cleaning, I realized that there are just so many lessons we can learn from it. Thus, I want to use this act of cleaning our house and removing leaven as a way to illustrate three important lessons that is also reflected during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
1. Spring Cleaning Teaches Us to Go Deeper
We all clean, but spring cleaning is different. It’s not surface-level. We move furniture. We open up boxes we haven’t touched all year. We dig into closets and clean under appliances—not because it’s fun, but because that’s where the hidden dirt is.
Spiritually, this is what Yahweh wants from us. Not just to sweep the obvious sins off the floor—murder, adultery, stealing. No, He wants us to search the deep, hidden corners of our hearts where the subtle sins live. Sins that disguise themselves. Sins we’ve learned to justify.
Think of it:
- Pride disguised as self-confidence
- Bitterness dressed up as “just remembering what they did”
- Envy that masquerades as a drive for “excellence”
- Self-righteousness that looks like “spiritual maturity”
- Gossip hidden under the label of “just sharing a prayer request”
- Laziness masked as “waiting on God”
- Lust lurking in our movie choices or scrolling habits
King David prayed in Psalm 139:23–24:
“Search me, O Elohim, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” —
Notice what David didn’t say: “Show me the sins I already know about.” He said, “Search me.” That implies something is hidden. Something is buried. And sometimes, it’s the sins we don’t see that are the most dangerous—because we’re not even trying to remove them.
So ask yourself today:
- What sin has Yahweh been trying to point out that I’ve been ignoring?
- What am I excusing that needs to be exposed?
Spring cleaning teaches us to go beyond the obvious. The Days of Unleavened Bread are Yahweh’s call to do a deep spiritual inventory.
2. Spring Cleaning Teaches Us to Permanently Remove Sin
When we spring clean, we don’t just gather trash—we throw it out. We don’t say, “Well, I’ll just move this broken blender to the garage.” No! We know it’s useless, so we put it in the trash bin and wait for the garbage truck to carry it far away.
But how often do we treat sin like that broken blender?
- “I’ll keep this in my heart for now—maybe I’ll get rid of it later.”
- “I’m not really using this habit, but I might want it back someday.”
- “Yes, it’s leaven—but I just bought it! Let me stash it in the pantry for now.”
No. Yahweh says in Exodus 12:15,
“For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel.”
There’s no room for “maybe later.” Just like leaven, sin is not something you manage—it’s something you must remove.
Paul writes in Ephesians 4:22–24:
“Put off… the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts… and put on the new man which was created according to Elohim, in true righteousness and holiness.”
Spring cleaning means letting go.
- Letting go of anger that gives you false power
- Letting go of self-pity that secretly feeds your ego
- Letting go of that one show, that one conversation, that one app that always leads you back to sin
Don’t store your sin in the garage. Don’t label it “just for now.” Put it out—and don’t pick it up again.
And here’s something deeper: Spring cleaning also teaches us the value of simplicity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us were forced to reassess our lives. With stores closed and outings restricted, we suddenly realized we didn’t need that fancy car, that designer outfit, or the latest phone upgrade. We rediscovered the basics. We found peace in simplicity.
Spiritually, the clutter in our lives often becomes the very thing that distracts us from Yahweh:
- Possessions that we think we own but actually own us.
- Social media feeds that feed our insecurities.
- Overcommitments that burn us out.
- Unneeded gadgets that stir up pride, envy, or idolatry.
Yahshua lived simply. Letting go of material excess, prideful displays, and spiritual clutter frees us to live a life of clarity, purpose, and peace.
3. Spring Cleaning Teaches Us That Removing Sin Takes Time and Effort
Let’s be honest—thorough cleaning is exhausting. It’s not something you do casually or on a whim. You have to plan for it. You roll up your sleeves, break a sweat, and stay committed until it’s done.
The same is true when it comes to removing sin. We don’t overcome sin overnight. It takes prayer, intentionality, discipline, and yes, even struggle.
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The Bible doesn’t say we casually avoid sin—it says we fight, we discipline. We subject our bodies. We work hard for to the point that we run in such a way that we obtain the price.
That’s intense. That means it’s a battle, not a breeze. A process, not a one-time prayer.
That’s why the Bible doesn’t call it the Day of Unleavened Bread—but the Days of Unleavened Bread. It’s not a quick fix—it’s a journey. A season of focus. A time to take spiritual inventory, confess our sins, dig deep, and recommit to righteousness. That’s why during these 7 days brethren, I don’t want you to simply avoid leaven or eat unleaven bread. I want you to truly take the meaning of these days with all seriousness. I want you to truly do your best to overcome sin and remove it from our lives.
And even after removing the leaven, many of us still find ourselves stumbling. We thought we got rid of the anger, but then someone cuts us off in traffic. We thought we conquered envy, but then a friend posts about their dream vacation. The sin we “removed” tries to sneak back in.
That’s why this process requires vigilance. Sin doesn’t rest, and neither should we. We must daily examine ourselves and stay alert, because as soon as we let our guard down, the old habits come creeping back.
Just as spring cleaning requires time, energy, and diligence—so does sanctification. When you’re done with spring cleaning, you feel accomplished. You feel refreshed. You feel glad with your achievement. But you know what, having a purified heart is even more satisfying and even life-changing.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let These Days Go to Waste
Spring cleaning isn’t just about wiping windows or tossing out old socks. And the Days of Unleavened Bread aren’t just about avoiding bread for a week.
It’s about aligning our hearts with Yahweh’s will. It’s about recognizing that sin is more than a list of “do nots”—it’s anything that clouds our relationship with Him.
So as you clean your home this season, let it be a holy symbol. Let it remind you to:
- Go deeper.
- Let go completely.
- Keep striving.
May we all come out of these Days not just with cleaner homes, but with cleaner hearts—hearts that are searched, purified, and transformed for Yahweh’s glory.
