Is that a new Chair? Why yes, it is!
A few years ago, we gave my daughter the task of refinishing an outdoor wooden chair. She was very excited at first to begin, but was quickly disillusioned when she found out that before she could use the paint, she would have to spend hours sanding, cleaning and repairing. The fun part of painting would come much later. For a few days she worked tirelessly. Then, she finally got to paint her chair. It turned out beautiful! I have to say that it is still beautiful today because she did the job right. It was the sanding and scrubbing that made the paint stick! When I look back on my Christian walk, I see that I’m a lot like this chair she renewed.
First, The weathered, worn out chair was taken in from the extremeties of the outside world and for some reason (who’s to say why) it wasn’t thrown out, but it got another chance to become new again. When I became a Christian, I was sanctified (purified) by the blood of Jesus. I was reborn and my home became heaven. Romans 5:8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Although we saved our chair, the fact remained that the chair was in bad shape. It needed to be renewed if it was to be of use to us. After my salvation experience, I accepted the TRUTH about myself found in the THE WORD OF GOD and I saw a need for renewal, so that I could be a reflection of my Savior. My desire was for him! 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
The old paint had to come off, so the sanding process began. All the splintered edges were repaired and the legs were secured with new screws. This was a labor intense project that took some time. After I read God’s truth, the Holy Spirit convicts my mind of what I need to change. It’s painful to let go of certain things and I gain strength from Him daily to get the job done. It takes a lifetime. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Finally, it was time to paint the chair. When I begin to see true renewal in different areas of my life, I start to notice the fruit of the Spirit in my life. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Now, we’re enjoying that chair!! The results are there to see! Just as my life now reflects, not always, but more often than not, the result of the renewal processes I’ve gone through! More importantly, I am left with a light to shine in the world that draws others to Christ because that is what I’ve been called to do. This is my job while I’m here on this earth. Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 – But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Thank you God for the continual washing and regeneration of my life through your Holy Spirit!
