Renovation Of The Heart

On Monday construction finally started on replacing our upstairs shower that had been leaking and caused the damage below in our living room. Who would have thought that the problem we detected on August 25 would take this long to begin to be rectified.

As usual, nothing with the project has gone as planned. The demolition work quickly discovered that the shower was more like a second story bunker, full of cement all the way up the walls and held together by industrial strength chicken wire.

The crazy part is that despite all of the resources and materials used in the construction of the shower, it had a faulty design that ultimately lead to our problem. It looked good on the outside but wasn't right on the inside. Sounds like our spiritual condition when we live with a mask on.

It also reminded me that the proper materials, when not used correctly, can cause damage. I often see churches doing the same thing. They stress the right materials, as in reading the Bible and praying and the like, but when they aren't modeled out of a deep love relationship with Jesus, damage results.

Philippians 3:17
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.

Since the two floods of July 2004, our house has been in need of and in the process of continual repair. Renovations have been ongoing. It certainly has brought new meaning to one of my favorite books, Dallas Willard's Renovation Of The Heart.

We are all a work in process, and it does no good to resist the very thing that leads to spiritual growth. God has a sense of humor, too. This last year one of my favorite movies has been Life As A House. Kevin Kline plays a man who's just been fired and discovers that he has cancer at the same time. He's divorced and lives with his estranged son for the summer in order to rebuild his rickety old house.

The house becomes a metaphor for a renovation of the heart for Kline and his son. The heart change then becomes the legacy that Kline passes down after his death. Who would have thought that I'd find another house construction dilemma to really get ahold of that truth?

So what is God renovating in your life? How is the project coming? Grab a hammer and surrender to His work in your life today!

James 1:2
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.

James 1:12
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Romans 12:12
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.