Rom. 12:2   “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

In this passage, we should focus on two words, transformed and renewing or renewal.  These two words in Greek and their meaning are:

     Transformed = Metamorphoō = to change into another form

     Renew or renewing = Anakainōsis = renovation

These two words indicate that there should be an ongoing transformation in our lives.  The reality is that we are all “fixer-uppers.”  We all need work, we all need growth, and we all need to become who God wants us to be.  None of us have arrived.

But there is a natural compulsion to resist change and to cling to the status quo.  After all, why fix things if they aren’t broken? God is saying that we should be continually transforming and continually renovating.

If you watch all the “fixer-upper” shows, one theme that keeps showing up is: what’s behind the walls?  They purchase these homes and when demo day comes find out that the wiring for the electric is outdated or that the pipes are corroded or that the roofing is worn and not sufficient, or any number of things.

In our lives, we need to look behind the walls?  What’s going on inside of us?  What part of us needs to be redone and renovated?  Do we even know? Sometimes we uncover things that are a surprise to us, and sometimes we know it’s there but have spent more time covering it up than dealing with it.

The key is to identify where we need work done.

Is it in the budget is another question that keeps popping up?  One of the most disappointing things in these shows is when they find something behind the walls they have to devote budget money to something they will never see.

When it comes to personal renovation what we work on inside reflects who we are on the outside.  Our investment (our budget) is in time and focus.

And just like the general contractors that find these needs behind the walls, they call in the specialists, the electricians, the plumbers, etc. We may need to call in the specialists.

In our case the specialists are people who will make a difference in our personal renovation.  It could mean a mentor, a coach, a pastor, a friend and accountability partner…or it could mean a professional.

The highlight of the shows is when the buyers walk into their newly renovated home for the first time.  And the emotions usually conveyed are amazement, excitement, and joy.  All of the beauty and design touches are celebrated.  And ultimately the owners conclude it was worth the price in time and money.

As we let God, through His Holy Spirit renovate us sometimes in the process there are some walls that need to be broken down, sometimes there are some of our most basic functioning systems need to be rewired, but mostly, the outcome is a man or woman of God who is becoming more and more like Christ.

Let the renovation begin.