Extreme Makeover: Heart Edition

One show that I used to love to watch was “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” each Sunday.  In the show, a family who had been through challenges and trials was chosen to have their old home demolished and a brand new home built by famous designers, and custom fit for the needs of their family.  It was heartwarming to see their lives changed by this single event, and in each episode people would say, “I never will be the same again.”  It was an immensely popular show because people loved to see lives changed forever.

 

Jesus was approached one day by a man seeking an extreme makeover: heart edition.

He came to Jesus wondering what he should do to change his life.  “In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3, NIV)  This perplexed the man because he thought, I was already born, I came from my mother’s womb, how could I do that again, I am much bigger now.  But Jesus was suggesting something different.  Jesus call for rebirth was for the man’s heart and soul.  To follow Jesus meant a commitment to change and transformation, a commitment for God to mold and stretch him into a new person.

 

In the song, “From the Inside Out” the lyrics talk about this transformation,

 

My heart and my soul, I give You control

Consume me from the inside out Lord

 

When this man approached Jesus, the offer was open, if you want to see your life transformed, God can do it.  That transformation is a two way street, you have to be open to God working inside of you.  I would guess that most believers would say, yes I am to God to transform me.  What if it meant for God to work in your life, involved giving up control?  What if God wanted to change how you spend your time and money?  Are you willing to let God in and allow God to transform you from the inside to the outside?  Or would you rather just a little transformation, just a little change?  Jesus tries to keep it simple, if you want to see your life transformed, if you want to experience God, you have to be changed so deeply it is as if you heart and soul are completely new.

 

Jesus says it simply, do you want me to transform all of you in your heart and soul, or would you rather just keep going it alone?  Jesus says all you have to do is ask, and the Holy Spirit can change you forever, but there is no half way change; it is either extreme makeover or no makeover.  Are you ready for an extreme makeover that changes your life and allows you to experience and see God in ways you never though imaginable?  Or would you rather just watch extreme makeovers take place in others?

 

Pastor Bill

 

Discussion Questions

  1. Has God done an extreme makeover in your life?  What was it like?  If not, are you open to God?
  2. What is one place that you struggle to give up control to God?
  3. What could be different if God did an extreme makeover in your or a close friend?