GOD'S FIXER-UPPER
Image courtesy of Roger Starnes Sr. on Unsplash
I laughed when I saw the house. Siding was falling off, insulation was non-existent, and the name “Melissa” was painted across the front of the abode. Our first home. I wanted to run away, but Linda saw potential, and it was all we could afford— $14,400. A real deal, even as a 1977 bank repo in North Idaho. Our first winter we nearly froze. On one occasion, our toilet iced over.
We went to work, hanging wallpaper, and replacing outdoor siding, flooring, and cabinets. We added insulation, a wood stove, and two bedrooms. We transformed a disgusting dump into a delightful dwelling.
God loves “fixer-uppers.” He transforms messed-up lives into the image of Christ. Second Corinthians 3:18 states, we “are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.”
Transformation is a process. Houses aren’t restored overnight, and neither are people. Don’t beat yourself up, if you’re not where you’d like to be. God’s not finished with you yet.
In the process of transformation, things often appear worse than before we started. We have to tear out the old before we bring in the new. If a guest dropped in as we were installing new cabinets, and pointed out how ugly our kitchen was, I’d probably have said, “Thank you very much… Now please leave.” Ditto in our spiritual formation. Two steps forward and one step back. Some days, vice versa.
The Christian walk is not a self-improvement program. Transformation is God’s work. Philippians 2:13 states, “God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him” (CEV). God does the work. Our job is to cooperate with Him, and get out of His way.
Home renovation is as exhausting as running a marathon. But when we gaze on our finished work, our hearts overflow with joy. Likewise, the Master Builder rejoices when He views His handiwork in our lives. That’s the blessing of being God’s “fixer-upper.”
Ponder:
In what ways do you see God specifically working in your life to transform you?
What can you do to cooperate with Him and get out of His way?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Romans 12:1-8.
Father, in so many ways I’m a fixer-upper. Through your power, transform me into the image of your Son.
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