No Condemnation

There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Romans 8:1-2

The buckets and beach towels are out, but we are not going to the beach! Containers litter the floor of my husband’s office, collecting water. A storm swept through and uncovered a major unforeseen leak in our roof.

I have to laugh to keep from crying since it has been years since we have done any fun home improvement project. This was our summer to reorganize the utility room, but now it looks like we’ll be tackling a roof repair and an office redo instead.

Things always look worse before they look better when you start a home repair. When I looked at the big brown water stains and huge crack in the ceiling, I cringed. Who knew? It was a slow, hidden leak that ended up being damaging and costly. It was ugly—and I do not like ugly. I like pretty, and I do not like a mess because it brings out the worst in me. I wanted order! I felt that the ceiling ought to be condemned. (Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but you sense my frustration, right?)

“Lord, I need You to reorder my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit so I will not crack. Lord, my ugly brown spots are poking out too—and I don’t mean freckles or age spots! Lord, where would we be without You?”

Suddenly I sense something—or rather Someone—moving my heart. Now the ugly ceiling that I was ready to demolish moments ago is reminding me of my complaining attitude. I think it needs as much renovation as the ceiling—maybe more. And this isn’t a do-it-yourself job.

What a relief that God is the master Renovator of our hearts. He does a top-notch job and is all about the details and finishes. His cleanup of our sin is thorough, making us look more like Him. With God, our hearts become welcoming spaces for Him to dwell in. No condemnation, just splendid renovation. And now for that ceiling . . .

What home project lingers on your to-do list? It might loom over you, but you can always thank the Lord that He is already on the job in your heart—no condemnation, just beautiful renovation.