Change Can Be a Good Thing

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”  - George Bernard Shaw

I was watching a daytime talk show the other morning where they had a group of four women on stage; each of whom had undergone a "makeover." They had plucked these women from the studio audience, voluntarily, of course, and gave each a new, updated hairstyle, a new flattering outfit, and totally revamped their makeup. All of them looked beautiful, and more importantly, they appeared pleased with the final results.

Makeover shows are fun and popular to watch. I think the attraction to these programs is that we get to watch someone, not so unlike ourselves, become different or transformed before our eyes. For those of us not brave or bold enough to try it, it's entertaining but safe to view from a distance. Even American writer Mary Doria Russell says, "Who doesn't love a makeover? Even my husband watches 'What Not To Wear.'

Makeovers, or transformations such as these modify mainly the outer person. But what about the inside? I can only imagine that seeing a completely different person staring back at you, while standing in front of a mirror, can be both satisfying and rejuvenating. However, while these changes may bolster a sagging self-esteem do they really transform the inner person? And, are they long lasting or does the glow fade away as quickly as lipstick does by the end of the day?

The concept of  makeovers isn't really anything new. As a matter of fact, the Bible shows us many examples of Jesus performing them himself. In Luke 8:35, we read about the demon possessed man who was changed by Christ. Or, the blind man who received the joy of new-found sight (John 9:1-7).

Habakkuk, too was transformed by God's message. His makeover took place when he quit talking and making assumptions; and allowed God to respond. Once he did this, all of his complaining and speculating disappeared. He was a changed man from then on.

But did you know that the same can happen to us as well if we would just stop and let God speak to us? It's true.

Starting with the gospel message of Christ, our lives can receive a makeover or transformation. This is made possible to us through the power of God. The gospel is what brings us salvation (Romans 1:16-17). Additionally, we can learn how to discard our old selves and put on a new self through the message of Christ (Ephesians 4:22;-24). Now, that's truly a makeover!

The wonderful thing about the makeovers that Christ performed is that they had nothing do with a person's physical, or outward appearance. It was all about the inner person. Jesus's makeovers worked from the inside out.

What we can take away from this today is that no matter what your situation is, how much you have sinned, or have bottled up, fermenting inside of you; Jesus wants to give you a total makeover. And, it doesn't cost anything but your attention, determination, and committment to Him.

True beauty isn't found in a tube of mascara or a spritz of perfume; but in allowing yourself to be transformed by Him. For it is through the power of God's spirit that Christ lives within you and I.

Scripture: Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 1:9

Prayer: Holy Father, thank you for seeing past the imperfections of my outer self, and reforming me from the inside where the true self really is. You see and know everything about me; and what I do or don't need. Mold me into the best person that I can be so I that may serve You in every capacity. Amen

Have a blessed weekend,

Abigail