GOD'S FIXER-UPPER
I laughed when I saw the house. Siding was falling off, insulation was non-existent, it smelled like dead rats, and the name “Melissa” was painted across the front porch. 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 bank repo in North Idaho in 1977—especially since it stood on an acre of ground. 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”—not houses, but us! His goal is to transform His children into the image of Christ. Second Corinthians 3:18 states, we “are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.”
Three things stand out. First, 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.
Second, it’s an unending process. We never completely finished remodeling our home. Even after ten years in our house, there was paint to touch up and broken fences to repair. Likewise, the Lord still molds and shapes us, until the day we die.
Third, 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 say something like, “Thank you very much… Now leave!” Ditto in our spiritual formation. Two steps forward and one step back. Sometimes, 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 can wear you out faster than a marathon. But when we gaze on our finished work, our hearts overflow with joy. It’s the same with the Master Builder. He rejoices when He views His handiwork in our lives. That’s the blessing of being God’s “fixer-upper.”
Principle: God’s goal is to transform His children into the image of Christ.
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.
Prayer: “Father, in so many ways I’m a fixer-upper. Through your power transform me into the image of your Son.”
If you enjoyed this article, please tell your friends, and check out my website, BarneyCargile.com
Also, check out my books on Amazon, “Thriving in Quarantine” and “Thriving in Troubled Times.” Be watching for the revised edition of “Thriving in Quarantine.”