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One man is trying to change everything we think about being clean, and he’s doing it by going a really, really long time without showering or bathing. The last time chemical engineer David Whitlock showered was 2003, a meager 12 years ago! His goal is to prove that a person can remain clean and fresh smelling by applying certain safe bacteria to the body which will kill off all of those offensive odors. Doing so would also help one to avoid the chemicals put into our soaps, shampoos, and deodorants. As crazy as it sounds, it seems David Whitlock doesn’t smell, although he might still think about running a comb through his hair every now and then.
David Whitlock is currently teaming up with a company to market this deodorizing bacteria product for everyone to use. While it may be possible for this product to kill bad body odor, it does make one wonder how David gets rid of all the dirt, grime, oils, and other germs that our bodies can collect without showering.
No matter what we might think about this very unorthodox method of “cleaning,” one thing we can be certain about is how to be spiritually clean. After discussing how Noah and his family were “brought safely through the water,” 1 Peter 3:21 very clearly spells out, “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” In other words, the way to become spiritually clean is not by removing physical filth, but by the plea we make to God through baptism. By making this appeal, God will remove our spiritual filth.
Interestingly, baptism is the only way to become spiritually clean and at the same time is the only way to come in contact with Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-7). At one point, we were all smothered by the spiritual stench and filth of our sins, but once we are cleansed and come into contact with Christ, we end up emanating the sweet aroma and fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2: 14-17).
If we decide to go without showering for years on end with these products, we do so at our own risk. As far as spiritual cleanliness goes, let’s make sure we follow the Lord’s instructions (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Colossians 2:12).
Brett Petrillo
via Calvert City church of Christ
Calvert City, KY