Extreme Makeover of the Heart

Just this week ABC completed another extreme makeover house right here where I live. Well, not where I live but closer to my house than most. A nice family in need received a 5100 sq ft house. I could complain the normal complaints about the show- how they could do so much for many people instead of SO MUCH for a few or how do people pay the increase in utilities and taxes or what prevents all the lowlifes from breaking in and stealing everything… But instead, I am thinking more about how much of an extreme makeover my life is. 

No, I never did drugs or time in jail or anything that bad, I think. The thing is, before I accepted Christ, I was just like the house the family comes running out of the beginning of each episode. I was decrepid, mold filled, no air conditioning and too small or narrow minded to comprehend my full potential. I was only five years old at the time so it may be hard to comprehend that I was that wretched but I was headed straight for eternity separated from God- Hell. Just like the family with no money to fix their house, I was and still would be helpless to fix my problem. I needed an extreme makeover of the heart, and the only place I could find that was through Jesus’ work on the cross. His blood washed away the old house and built a mansion in its place. A life that will continue for eternity.

One final thought about the new house the family received. Due to its size, it likely stands out in the neighborhood. It is much larger than any of the other houses and much nicer.  If you drive down the road it is on, I am sure your attention would be drawn to it immediately. Christians should be like that house. The life that is made over should be like that house. In a world of darkness, my life should shine as a light on a hill.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB)