Work Zone...

In the 6 years we’ve lived in our home in Kansas City, our house has gone through a complete transformation. Every bit of flooring has been recarpeted or retiled, some of it twice. The walls have all been repainted, some after old dated wallpaper was torn off. We’ve put in four new ceiling fans and replaced the kitchen countertops. Two bathrooms have been completely remodeled. On the outside, we’ve refinished the deck, replaced the chain link fence with a new white vinyl fence, and done a great deal of mostly successful landscaping. Tomorrow, a maple tree is being delivered and planted in the back yard. I doubt the former owners would recognize the place.

In Ephesians 4:20 - 24, we read:
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Like our house, which had a former life with another owner and family, God transforms us from the old lives we once lived. We once belonged to the world, and followed the "ruler of this world" (John 12:31), but God paid our mortgage in full at Calvary. Throughout our life, God is constantly in the remodeling business, knocking down walls of our old self that brought Him no glory. He wants go beyond redecorating. God is in the complete renovation business.

We’re happy in our house. With the improvements we’ve put into place, we feel like we made a house our home. We plan on being here for years to come, and no doubt there will be upkeep on the property. If we’ve allowed it, God has made major improvements in our lives. I’ve met old friends from years ago that God has changed to the point that I hardly recognize them. I hope the same could be said for me from those who knew my old self.   If so, the Master Builder deserves all the credit.