Renewed from the Roof Up: A Journey of Spiritual Transformation

Dear diary,

This summer, the roof of the home I live in had to be replaced. And sure, in my head, I thought it would be no inconvenience to me. Little did I know that the construction crew had to start work in the wee hours of the morning to replace it. The process had so many components that I had little to no knowledge about. Replacing the roof required so much stripping away, tearing down, and rebuilding to get the final results. That’s when it was revealed to me that this is a similar process to what happens when the Holy Spirit indwells in you and you are born again. Though, because of the work of Christ, I am worth more than the cost of a roof replacement, let’s break down how similar they are.

Assessing the Condition: Recognizing the Need for Change

Assessing the condition of our roof mirrored how, as Christians, we have to assess the overall condition of our faith walk. Before we replaced the roof, we had to come to terms with the fact that there needed to be work done in the first place. At first, we only noticed slight discoloration, but it never crossed our minds that the condition of our roof was not sustainable. After talking with experts, that’s when we understood the impact of the current conditions. It was something that needed to be done. This is the same thing we have to do with ourselves. Though we may think that our behaviors, thoughts, and ambitions are acceptable, when we start to talk to experts such as the Word of God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and other wise counsel, we learn that an overhaul may be required. The great thing about Jesus Christ is that God loves us so much that we don’t have to change on our own.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalm 139:23-24

The Breakdown/Cost: The Painful Process of Transformation

Just like the roof, replacing your old life with your new born-again life in Christ comes with a cost. When the crew came to begin the roof replacement, they started very early in the morning and began to strip the old roof piece by piece. This was probably the ugliest, loudest process ever. They ripped each part away from the home. When we are born again, the Holy Spirit, our helper, helps to refine us as we continue our journey with Christ. He helps us to remove things that were old, sinful, and damaged (similar to the old roof). Hebrews 12:1 talks about ‘stripping’ away the ‘unnecessary weight’ and ‘sin’. For you, that weight could be pornography, or maybe it’s going to a party where you know you’re going to be tempted. Those are the things we have to strip away. Similar to the roofing experience, it’s going to be uncomfortable, loud, and maybe somewhat of an inconvenience to others who may be used to the old you, but it’s all necessary in our walk with Christ Jesus.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses who by faith have testified to the truth of God's absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly. entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us"

Hebrews 12:1

New Creation: Embracing the New Life in Christ

Once the old roof is gone, the new roof can be put in its place. It would make absolutely no sense for me to pick up the broken, ripped-off pieces of old roofing material and place them back where they were. The new roofing material is placed instead. The roof looks refreshed, new, and is able to withstand the elements. Much like us when we are made new in Christ. When we are born again, we start to think new, act new, and speak new. These are all effects of walking in Christ and being solely dependent on the Lord. He begins to prune us in His truth.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Romans 12:2

So, what is the whole point of getting your roof replaced? Well, an old roof cannot sustain the longevity of the home. Through wear and tear, leaks can happen, and rotting can occur, which can cause the home internally to deteriorate as well. The same thing can happen with us. If we don’t allow the Holy Spirit to develop a new creation, our old sinful selves can lead us to death. But Christ Jesus was gracious in His love, mercy, and kindness to give us eternal life—a new life in Him.

Lord, I thank You for loving me enough to not leave me the same. You endured so much so that I could be made new. It is because of Your steadfast love, mercy, and grace that I have the opportunity to embrace this new life in You as I am born again. Guide me as I navigate this world with You. I give You all the glory and honor. Amen.

- xoxo God's Girl