We bought our house back in 1986, on almost .7 acres in the historic community of Oella, Maryland. Our house started out as a 2-room cabin in the 1860s. Around 1910, they added a second floor and front L, sitting a mere 10 feet off the edge of the road. When we decided to buy it, we knew it needed a complete redo; however, because of the current setback requirements, we would have to “remodel” rather than rebuild, since moving the house back to the current required setback of 25 feet would not work with the newly finished sewer line running through our back yard.. So we began our remodel and started our long obedience in the same direction.
It has been impossible for us to consider this 39-year effort just a housing remodel, since we have lived in the structure the whole time we have been working on it, along with the work we have done on the property surrounding the house. I have often related this work to God’s work in the Christian’s life. We stay in our existing bodies, and all of the work of working out our salvation, discipling ourselves, and growing in the spirit is very similar to remodeling our house while living in it. You can’t vacate your body while you work out your salvation. It also takes time, like a house remodel, with foundational efforts and a sequence of things that you work on. In addition, it requires patience, a plan, and dogged determination to persevere to the end and accomplish your goal.
Just like a long effort house remodel, Christians often get impatient and want the struggle, the work to be over, to have arrived, forgetting what Paul said in Philippians 3:12-14.
12 Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
One thing I have learned in the remodel of my house: you are never done. It seems each accomplishment reveals more that needs doing, and often what you learn in one task leads you to change direction as you work on the next effort. It appears to be the same thing in the perfecting of our Christian life. Here is a given in both efforts. If you are tired of the struggle, and in both efforts, you will get tired of the struggle, pray for patience and fortitude so that you can continue, as Paul noted, toward the goal.
I believe each of the efforts, house and sanctification of my new life in Christ, helps with the other as learning and growing experiences. If this helps you in your efforts, good. Use the insights to push forward in both areas. Note: It does not have to be a house remodel; it can be any long-term project that requires persistence to accomplish.
Blessing to your day and your growth in your salvation in Jesus Christ.
