Adding On

Our recent home addition/remodel proved to be an object lesson in taking off the old and putting on the new which I had just studied in Mary Kassian’s, Conversation Peace.

The study began by highlighting something we all desire- to love life and live good days! 

“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.”
1 Peter 3:10-11

It also identified a construction process that required some messy work. The old speech patterns had to be removed and some new ones added if the benefits of transformed words that honor God, bless others, and fill our lives with peace are to be enjoyed. The study is grounded in truth and filled with practical helps; I highly recommend it!

It’s easy to see how all of this relates to home remodeling. If the benefits and beauty of a new space are to be enjoyed, the old space must be opened up, uncovered, and torn away. This proves to be a messy process which requires patient endurance.

Part of our project required tearing out the back wall of the existing kitchen so that the room could be extended for a larger dining and gathering space. This meant the demolition and removal of a desk and flooring. Windows and doors were moved, new cabinets and floors were added, and plastic was hung to contain the dust, but still . . . what a mess!

As we tore out the old, we began to see layers and layers of floors, paint, and paneling that had been the backdrop of family gatherings since 1968, and I especially enjoyed this part of the process because I got to see the avocado green, harvest gold, and burnt orange that were the colors of my childhood.

Although these were high style in the late 60’s and 70’s, they have long been replaced by color schemes and trends, and we can all see and say-

Change is a beautiful thing!

I think this is how God feels about my spiritual transformation. The work of salvation that He has started in me carries on until He completes it- working in me and through me so that I look less and less like my old self and more and more like Christ.

As with construction projects, it gets really messy at times. There are old ways that I have worn well and found comfortable for a season, but as God’s work continues they need to be removed so that new ways can come forth. He’s tearing out, refining, maturing, transforming me . . . making me a more suitable vessel for the abiding of Christ in me.

2 Corinthians 3:18 summarizes God’s work this way-

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is Spirit. (NIV)

By God’s Spirit, I am to be continually renovated, remodeled, under-construction . . . being transformed into a space that is more like Him, reflecting less and less of me and more and more of His glory.

When this kind of change happens, it too is a beautiful thing!

As with home construction, sometimes I’m tempted to believe a lie-

That it’s not worth the effort,
That it’s too hard,
That I like my old self better anyway, and
That it would be easier to just keep things the way they are.

I’ll leave you with a PIC today that helps me fight this battle and continue on with God in my personal remodeling for His glory-

I can testify from my Adding On object lesson-

Change is a beautiful thing, and it is worth the effort!!

Father God, continue the renovation of my heart and mind so that I look more and more like you and enjoy a life of peace that comes from your Spirit at work in me.