Some days I wake up and looking the mirror I want to turn right back around. I don’t want to see messy hair sticking out and droopy eyes not quite ready to meet the day. Pulling my hair into a ponytail, my husband’s very not-favorite hairstyle, I sit down to put on work out pants. Lacing up my shoes, I’m almost ready to teach my water fitness class.
I think to myself, “sure would be nice have a good makeover.”
Don’t you love makeovers?
We love to see the before and after pictures of a woman getting a makeover. You know the kind–the before picture shows a woman who looks I do this morning. Just her normal, everyday self.
Stylists and make up artists work their magic. The workout clothes are whisked away and thrown into the trash, never to see the light of day again. A stylish outfit completes the makeover. The everyday girl has become a princess in a matter of minutes. Okay, a few hours tops.
Tired of trying to make yourself a better person?
We all have something, some sticky spot, that just seems to nag at our spirit. It’s like those last 10 pounds you just can’t seem to lose, no matter how hard you try.
This is when I’d love to have a spiritual makeover–zip-zap, a new haircut, new clothes, and snap an ofter picture of my whole new level of spiritual victory. Presto-chango!
You want one too, right?
The difference between a spiritual makeover and transformation.
A spiritual makeover is a quick fix: read a book, make a resolution, and apply a few Bible verses. Maybe we need something more than try-hard efforts to be a better person. The person we want to be.
- Makeovers come through well-intentioned self-effort. Transformation is an unfailing work and ministry of the Holy Spirit.
- Makeovers are me trying to fix what I think needs improving. Transformation is God working at the roots of the real issues that are holding me back.
- Makeovers have temporary results that fade. Transformation keeps going from glory to glory.
- Makeovers are external and often focus on performance, appearance, or personal desires. Transformation begins in heart and mind, changing the way we think and live.
- Makeovers make better. Transformation makes new.
- Makeovers are the best work of our flesh. Transformation is God’s mercy releasing the power of Christ in our spirit.
Mirror, mirror on the wall…
What you look at is what you will see.
My kids laugh when I say this kind of thing that sounds ridiculously simple. But let’s say there are two mirrors. One is the mirror of the self-life or the flesh. Grace ministries defines the flesh like this:
When I look at myself in the self mirror, I become preoccupied with what I want. What I need. How I think life should go. What I think I should be like.
[tweetthis]Looking in the self mirror is a full-time job that leaves us ever trying but never feeling like we are enough.[/tweetthis]
God has given us another mirror–the Christ mirror that reveals the image of Christ and the glory of God. This mirror shines with mercy and the life of Christ.
When problems come along, we have a choice. Which mirror will we look at? Where will we focus? What or who will we depend on?
All of our trying, primping, fixing, and performing will never accomplish the work that only God can do.
Here’s one simple truth to embrace with all your heart:
Transformation only comes when we look in the right place, focused on the One who makes all things new. As long as we keep turning to ourselves we will not see or experience what God wants to accomplish.
[tweetthis]Transformation is an unfailing work and ministry of the Holy Spirit.[/tweetthis]
But 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 from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NASB
Who are you focused on today?
This material is from my newest retreat topic: Diamonds in the Rough.
Also from this retreat is Do You Struggle With Confidence?
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
How do we know this and keep looking in the empty glass? I love your heart, Ginger, and your willingness to share the deeper truth. Can’t wait to read “the book.”
Great questions, Cynthia. And though looking in the Christ mirror, beholding him, comes when we focus on God’s word, I think it is more organic than consistent time in God’s word. It has so much to do with the ministry of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts and minds to turn God’s word from knowledge to life. I’m so glad to hang with you in the online space today:)
I was thinking, as I read these wise words, about how true it is, that only by focusing on Jesus, can we truly be transformed. If it was any other way, Jesus wouldn’t have had to die for us. Thank you for sharing this.
Your words are always such an encouragement to me. Thanks for joining the conversation, Dawn!
Thanks for these encouraging words! XOXO
Welcome, Holley–so glad to have you join us here.
Wow, Ginger … powerful truth here. I love the contrast between a make-over … and transformation. I want transformation.
Yes, me too, Dianne. Truth that sets us free is God’s way of renewing our minds and healing our hearts. Such a blessing. Thanks for joining the conversation.
First of all, I love 2 Corinthians 3:18! Second, I love this, “Transformation is God’s mercy…”I often choose my own “makeovers” over God’s transformation, because it’s easier, and less intimidating. However, it’s important to remember that God in His mercy transforms us into the image of His Son…from glory to glory! Love your words!!! Thanks for sharing
Welcome, Becky. So glad you’ve stopped by for a visit and left with a blessing. I pray God encourages you with these truths. Blessings today!
I agree with another one of your readers – thanks for taking us deeper. I needed it tonight!!!!!
I’m glad these words filled a spot in your heart today, Sweet Friend!
Ginger, This was so helpful in clarifying the difference between make-over and transformation. God’s transformation works inside—where it matters most! I also loved the chart. A visual aide helps to solidify the point.
And the website looks amazing too!
Blessings on you as you continue to let God’s light shine!
I’m a visual girl myself. I’m glad the chart was helpful. You’re right, God’s transformation on our insides–heart, mind, and soul–is what matter’s most. Thanks for visiting today.
Wonderful Bible-based advice for an area where so many of us struggle. Love it!
Hey there! How fun to see your name pop up in my comments. I’m so glad you’ve joined our community. Loved seeing you in Georgia at our Planting Roots conference.
So much truth here! I love how you compare makeovers and transformation!
Great post!
Julie
So great to have you here, Julie. Loved your site and your writing. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Ginger – Great write-up! This is my favorite line: Makeovers make better. Transformation makes new. Yes. That’s what I want too!
Hey there, Kori! Hmm…now that I think about it–think I’d like a makeover and a transformation:) Thanks for joining in today!