Before and After

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Home renovations always amaze me. There's just nothing like a good "before" and "after" picture after a huge renovation. Doesn't it make you want to renovate your own home when you see such inspiring transformations? When I see an amazing "before" and "after" picture I immediately start thinking, "How can I do this in my home?"

In 2 Corinthians chapter 5, Paul talks about a new creation that has come when we are made new in Christ. He talks about how we no longer look at others or Christ from a worldly point of view, but now we see through new eyes. The scales have fallen and we see the world through the lens of love, the lens of goodness, the lens of Christ! Basically, it's the most amazing "Before" and "After" there ever was!

When we are made new in Christ, we should no longer look like we once did. In the same way, we should no longer view the world in the way it was once viewed. Can you imagine the "After" picture looking just like the "Before" after a home renovation? How disappointing would that be? What would be the point if it looked the same as it did before?
Before Jesus....we saw people as ignorant, worthless and hopeless.
After Jesus....we see people as lost, loved and worth redeeming.

Before Jesus...we spoke like the world, looked like the world, and did worldly things.
After Jesus....we speak in love and show the world what it looks like to be set apart.

Before Jesus...we let anger, selfishness and pride rule our hearts.
After Jesus....we humble ourselves and seek the peace and goodness of God.

Before Jesus...we saw ourselves as broken and without a purpose.
After Jesus...we see ourselves as made whole in Him and our purpose in life is found.

That, friends, is the greatest transformation of all time.

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