We have just completed a huge project (at least for us). Our bathroom was woefully outdated and small, and in need of remodeling. The only way to do that was to tear into the guest bathroom also. And one thing led to another so that for the last six+ weeks we’ve been in the midst of the crazy chaos of construction. Our good friend and contractor from church, Alex, graciously helped us significantly, and we are very pleased with the results. But to do the work, we had to demolish both bathrooms down to the studs before the rebuilding could begin. Kinda scary, but necessary.

This process got me to thinking about our spiritual journey with Christ. As we continue on our journey, the Holy Spirit reveals to us areas that are in need of remodeling. Maybe it is a heart attitude of bitterness or resentment coming from a past wound. Maybe it is a proclivity to sin in a certain area of our life. Or a relationship where we could demonstrate Christ more clearly. Once we pray the Psalm 139 prayer, He will show us: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” God reveals the “blueprint,” often through His Word, or a sermon, or from the faithful words of a friend, for where the work must occur.

Then the work begins. As happened in our bathroom remodel, more demolishing may be required than originally expected. Sometimes it is surprising how deep the digging must go, how far the roots of sin reach, before the construction can begin. Sometimes it takes us all the way down to our “studs,” to our core values and deeply held beliefs that need to be demolished and rebuilt based on God’s Word and God-honoring principles. Be careful, though, because when the old “demons” go, if we don’t start rebuilding with Christ, we are prime targets for more “demons” to take over (Luke 11:26).

God is the “general contractor” and the Holy Spirit is His primary skilled laborer. We have a part, but just like with Alex our contractor, God’s the one who calls the shots. God has just the right tools to do the lifelong job of sanctification in us, just like Alex had a trailer filled with specialized tools to do our remodel project. Usually God’s “tools” include people we respect who know the Lord. He also uses His Word, times of prayer and fasting, and even circumstances to get the job done. It often takes much longer than we expect, and about the time we think we have things wrapped up, a new insight will emerge that needs to be dealt with. I’m so thankful that God has patience that endures, and that “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” (Phil. 1:6)