Extreme Makeover - Earthly Edition

I'm sure most of you have seen the ABC hit "Extreme Makeover - Home Edition" on Sunday nights at one time or another.  An eligible contestant is chosen based upon their inspiring story and financial inability to fix-up or remodel their own home. Often it is someone in the community that has a public outreach, NGO, or ministry.

Many times the structure is completely demolished and then rebuilt from the ground up.  A local builder and hundreds of volunteers help make the dream come true for the deserving family.  Companies donate materials, appliances, furniture and decor items for the entire house, often including specially designed upgrades.

The exciting part is when Ty yells out to the waiting crowd, "Move that bus!"  Then the family and all of the onlookers get to see the "new house" for the first time. What a sight to behold!

There's something even more incredible, and that's an Extreme Makeover - Earthly Edition! When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior - you become a "new" dwelling place for God's Spirit.  The Apostle Paul says in II Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

Demolition can be painful and messy - but it ultimately gives way to bigger and better! 

We're not just talking about a remodeling job here - we're talking NEW from the inside-out!  You now have a new foundation - and Jesus Christ Himself is the Chief Cornerstone (I Peter 2:6).  Your spirit man is made incorruptible - no longer subject to decay and ruin (I Corinthians 15:53). Your mind is renewed (Romans 12:2) and you exhibit new behaviors (Galatians 5:22).  You begin to see life differently...

Although construction often interrupts day to day activity, DO allow Jesus to continue His work in you!  The prophet Isaiah tells us, "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?" (Isaiah 43:19).  God has an Extreme agenda for us that includes an "out of the box" experience. We must embrace our rebirth and walk in the newness of life!

On the show, watching that huge bus move is exhilarating - but even more so, is seeing the NEW you!  Paul declares, "we have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..." (Colossians 3:10).

During the renovation - be sure to focus on your new digs,and not the old dilapidated one. Your spouse is observing the on-going mess and construction - so just remind them... you're still a "WORK IN PROGRESS"...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

 

Extreme Makeover - Earthly Edition