Renovation Complete?
A couple of weeks ago, I was blessed to be a very small part of a wonderful “camp” at Freed-Hardeman University called Horizons. Not only was I refreshed spiritually and mentally, I was blessed to teach a group of ninth grade girls, work on service projects with a great group of teens, and worship and fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters, some of whom I only get to see at Horizons. So don’t be surprised if several of my next posts are inspired by things I heard or saw during this amazing week!
Today’s post is example #1. The overall theme for Horizons 2024 was “Renovate” and our morning devotionals focused on demo day. Each day took a slightly different look at things that need to be cleaned out of our lives before we can begin rebuilding. Matt Miller reminded the crowd that Chip Gaines is quite fond of demo day but, as we spent our mornings throughout the week looking at reasons why we need demo day, I’m convinced it’s not as much fun in my life as it is in an old house.
You see, first I have to take a good look at what has to go. In an old house, that is fun. We readily admit that funky old tile or outdated cabinets need to go and often get really excited about ripping out walls to expand our spaces. But in my life, sometimes I like those walls because they hide things I’m not quite ready for others to see. And those tiles may be old fashioned, but I’m quite comfortable with how they fill the spaces in my life.
Ben Coleman spoke to us of site preparation. He spoke of rot that needs to be cleared: anger, bitterness, envy, or grudges. He asked if we have junk drawers or closets full of secret sin or shame. He asked if there are any broken pieces that need complete repair: false beliefs, values, attitudes, wrong actions.
But then he reminded us of some encouraging things. Read Colossians 3:1-4:
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where
Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are
above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Our renovation is not a DIY project. If it were, we would mess it up. Notice that our life is hidden “with Christ in God.” That means God helps us with our demolition and our building back up. He also pointed out that “reveal day” for the project is not when we are baptized. Too often, we treat this as the finale, but in reality it is the beginning. “Reveal day” comes with “Christ, who is your life appears” and we “also will appear with him in glory!”
Demo day is just the beginning. My life is one of daily renovation with God, through Christ.
AUTHOR: Amber Tatum
