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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”  2 Corinthians 5:17

Before the show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” was a thing, there was an original version not many may remember called “Extreme Makeover.” Basically, someone would leave their loved ones and start a journey of transformation with a team of health, medical, and beauty experts. And it was very extreme—from cosmetic dentistry and laser eye surgery to minimal food and maximum exercise, no aspect of their physical self was left unchanged. (We watched it weekly…it was kind of a train wreck, but it was hard to look away.) Sadly, if you read any of those “where are they now” sites, you’ll see that these participants’ lives were not miraculously improved just because their outside was changed. Often relationships worsened, physical problems ensued, the weight came back, etc.

But, friend, did you know that God has planned for each of us our very own extreme makeover? Unlike the TV show, though, the transformation we undergo is from the inside out—and we’re forever changed for the better. No professionals needed…just God’s perfect Word. So, what are some steps to realize a whole new you?

• Turn away from what was—and start moving in a new direction.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! (Isaiah 43:18-19); Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19)

• Put on a fresh wardrobe—clothe yourself with righteousness.

I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a groom puts on a turban, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)

• Get your eyes fixed—on the Lord.

For my eyes are toward You, God, the Lord; In You I take refuge; do not leave me defenseless.

• Get a facelift—change your countenance with the joy of salvation.

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. (John 15:11); Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:12)

• Apply a new perfume—the sweet aroma of Christ.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God… (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

Unlike after a physical makeover, it’s understandable to want to keep a mirror handy to admire the “new you.” But when we’re transformed by faith in Jesus and made new in Him, the mirror we use changes as well. Instead of gazing at self, “we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18). Transformation is a prayer away—why not choose to be renewed today?

“Father, thank you that when we surrender to You, we don’t stay the same!”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life