“Some of our neighbors,” Stan began, “have done some extensive remodeling to their house. They had an open house Saturday so we could all see what they have done.”
“Nice?” I responded.
“Amazing,” Stan replied. “What they have done has really transformed their house into something totally different from what it was.”
“Did they do it themselves?” I asked.
“No,” Stan replied. “They hired that firm over on Abbott Drive to do the design and all of the reconstruction. It looks like that firm is really good at what they do.”
“And you know something else,” Stan said. “Seeing how the neighbors had remodeled their house made several of the neighbors talk about considering the same sort of remodel.”
Continuing, he added, “Just like Jesus.”
“Just like Jesus?” I responded. “What does an open house after a remodel have to do with Jesus?”
“Everything,” Stan said. “Jesus is clearly in the remodeling business. Taking the example I know best, there came a time in my life when it was brought to my attention I needed a remodel. The Bible refers to it as ‘transformation’.”
“Who brought that to your attention?” I asked.
“God,” was Stan’s one-word answer.
Continuing, he added, “Through His word, through the voice of the Holy Spirit, and through other people and circumstances, God made it clear I was not who He intended me to be. As well, I was not doing what God intended for me to be doing while He left me on this side of eternity.”
“So,” I said, “how did you begin the remodeling project on you life?”
“Confession,” Stan replied. “I had to come before God totally open and surrendered with the admission I knew some serious design work and reconstruction were needed.”
“Then what?” I asked.
“Repentance,” Stan said. “I had to do something with my confession. It would have been just like the neighbors concluding they wanted to remodel their house, but not doing anything beyond that. The remodel was not going to happen all by itself. Same with me.”
“And,” I responded, “I guess it would be the same with me or with anyone. I have to do something after admitting something needs to be done.”
“More than a guess,” Stan said. “I would put it in the category of being absolutely essential!”
“Okay,” I replied. “Say I acknowledge I need a remodeled life. And, further, I go ahead with that remodel, what then?”
“God is apt to have an open house,” Stan said, “so everyone can come and see what He has done so that others may want to do some remodeling in their own lives.”
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Come and see the works of God, who is awesome in His deeds towards the sons of men. Psalm 66:5.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2.
But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, The Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come with the presence of the Lord. Acts of the Apostles 3:19.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your provision of confession and repentance. Thank you for loving me enough to show me when I need remodeling and transformation in my life and in my relationship with you. I confess that too often I do not listen to you when you tell me I need to be different from who I am. And, as well, I do not do anything about what you show me. Please forgive me. Please help me in following every step of your lead in confessing and repenting so you can and will complete the transformational remodeling you want. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Does your life and relationship with God need some remodeling? Why or why not? If you think it does, what are you going to do about it? Is it sufficient to admit or confess that some work is needed? If not, what needs to follow and how does that get done? Is that something you want? Why or why not? Can you do it on your own or do you need some help? If you need help, where is that help going to come from?
Waiting for the Train 