LifeLink Devotions for Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Years ago I remodeled our master bath, and it went more slowly than I envisioned.  It seemed I couldn’t find enough time or energy to put in the work necessary to get it done. Every night, when I went to bed, the closed door to that room stared at me. I knew that on the other side of that door was a room in a mess. I knew the plan for that room, and I had all the materials available to complete the room. But unless I actually did the work, it would not get done. I needed to keep my eyes fixed on the finished look and apply myself every day to making it happen.

For many of us, the remodeling project of life proceeds slowly as well. We know there is a plan designed by the Owner of our lives to remodel us into the image of Christ. He has provided all the materials necessary to complete the job through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and His Word. But it is hard and slow work. The demolition of years of previous construction is painful, but it must be torn out. The installation of the new material takes time, but it takes even longer when we don’t invest the time to work on it. It’s easier to shut the door to that room and not look at it. If only we would fix our eyes on the finished look the Master has designed.

But what does the Master’s design look like?

2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

The answer is easy to find, but hard to do; it’s more difficult than we are willing to admit. Over and over the Scriptures teach us one thing and one thing only that sets us apart as having been remodeled by the Master Designer – WE WILL REFLECT THE GLORY OF JESUS CHRIST IN LOVE.  

The fundamental principle of life in the kingdom of God is LOVE. The kingdom is not founded on one’s ability to interpret Scripture, or counsel people, or accomplish great things in the church. It is not founded on the power to heal or cast out demons or take authority over nature or even know and obey the law. The Kingdom of God is founded on the love of God for people who in turn love God and love others. This alone is the foundation of the Kingdom and is to be the focus of our every choice.

When we fail to keep our eyes fixed on the Designer’s intended “look of love”, the remodeling work stops.  That’s when we choose to shut the door to avoid looking at the unfinished mess.

How’s your project going? Is your life reflecting the Designer’s love? Are you being daily remodeled into the image of Jesus Christ?

Here’s a poem I found in one of my devotionals from 20 years ago. It really speaks to the remodeling project of our lives.

When we marvel at the grace

that has given us a place

where we will see His face,

we will by that grace

remember our place

and reflect His face

and not our own.

Today, get back to work on your remodeling project.

Pastor John