For the past 4 months our church has been going through a renovation project. During that project we have been meeting in a nearby church for services. The project has been completed and we are now back in our own church building. As I reflect on our church renovation I am reminded of a more important renovation project. As we initiated a building renovation our Heavenly Father desires to renovate His children.
We need a renovation of our minds. God’s Word challenges us: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). We must resist being conformed to the philosophies and activities of the world and have our minds renewed by the teaching form God’s Holy Word. Perhaps there are some old ways of living and thinking that we need to tear down and replace with brand new ones.
We need a renovation of our spirit. Oftentimes we swerve into a sinful path and our spirit falls into disrepair. David sinned greatly and his life became a mess, his joy departed, and his heart became heavy. Finally through a prophet named Nathan the renovation process began. David was heard to pray: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Perhaps we need to repent of some damaging sin and allow God to renew, to renovate our spirit.
We often need a renovation of our strength. We may be going along in our Christian life just fine until something gets us off track. We may find ourselves weak, discouraged and lacking strength. This is the exact time we need to consult the Master Contractor to help us with a little renovation. God’s Word gives us some powerful encouragement: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isa. 40:31).
Our church renovation project is finished, but our renovation continues. Let’s allow God’s Word to inform us, His Spirt to conform us, and His Son to transform us.