HIGHER EVERYDAY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 HAND WASHING HABIT

"For the Pharisees, and all
the Jews, except they wash their
hands oft, eat not, holding the
tradition of the elders"
- Mark 7: 3

While ritualistic hand washing of the Pharisees
was condemned by Christ, the habit of
handwashing or hand hygiene is
commendable. According to the Centre for
Disease Control (CDC), "It is well-
documented that the most important measure
for preventing the spread of pathogens is
effective handwashing." With the recent
outbreak of Ebola virus disease, handwashing
ritual became entrenched in public places,
including schools. October 15th of every year
has been designated Global Handwashing Day
to increase awareness of the importance of
handwashing. Handwashing should be
performed before preparing food and after
meals, after using the toilet or changing baby
diaper, after blowing the nose, coughing or
sneezing, after touching animals or animal
wastes and after taking care of the sick. It
should be performed with clean water and
soap, ash, detergent or hand sanitizer. It takes
about 15 seconds to wash the hands properly.
Spiritually speaking, it is only the person that
"has clean hands and a pure heart" that
can fellowship with God.
Challenge: Hand hygiene is commendable.
Prayer: Lord, help me cultivate the good habit
of handwashing.

Quote: Clean hands and a pure heart.

Further Reading: Exodus 30:18-21