I drive by this old house on our way to church, often wondering what kind of stories were once lived out within its now crumbling walls. How many feet walked upon those broken floorboards when they were still smooth and gleaming with self-assurance?
Time has revealed the short-lived stability of a structure that long ago stood proud in it’s young strength and beauty. But years of declension required the county to take possession of that home. It was unfit to live in and beyond repair and scheduled to be condemned.
I wonder how many hours were spent trying to rehabilitate the dilapidated building…surely there was a long, ever-increasing list of needed repairs.
A bit like my soul I’m afraid, worn down by this sinful nature. There was a time in my life when my nature didn’t look so bad to me. I was a “good girl” full of self-assurance, proud of the strength and beauty of youth. I didn’t understand sin. I thought it was something I could keep under control. Just repair it, check it off the list, and move on to the next improvement.
But I didn’t see the faulty wiring hidden behind the plaster and paint. I didn’t notice the cracks in the old foundation that caused unbalanced walls to lose their strength. I didn’t know there was mold trying to gain access to every hidden space within this life.
” … it is sin living in me.” Romans 7:17
The damage eventually became visible to me, but no matter how many repairs I checked off the list in an attempt to maintain, the deterioration continued. I could not carry out this job on my own.
“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” Romans 7:18
Time reveals that the effects of sin eventually lead to a life that is beyond repair.
“What a wretched (wo)man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24
Self-help and step-programs are only sufficient for a life of short-lived stability. What we really need is to hand over this dilapidated life of sin to be condemned, and move in to a better life, beautifully created upon a solid new foundation.
“Thanks be to God–through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:25
“… he condemned sin in sinful man.” Romans 8:3
Condemned. Just like that building that was beyond repair and taken over by the county to be destroyed because it was unfit to live in, He took possession of our irreparable sin and destroyed it upon the cross.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
The written repair list and continuous effort were powerless against the inevitable.
“…a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ” Galatians 2:16
“For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son.” Romans 8:3
His Son came to give us a new life, built upon a solid foundation.
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”1 Corinthians 3:11
I do believe that old house along the road we see on our way to church lingers in it’s final stages as a reminder to me from a gracious and compassionate God who loves me. A reminder to flee from the life of sin, to flee from the broken boards and shattered glass as they come crashing down, by the power of His mighty hand.
Stacy
I’m a wife of 15 years and a mom of 5 boys ages 7 to 17, welcomed into my heart through marriage, birth, and adoption. I walk daily in God’s grace, desperately clinging to His Word as I home-school, home-make, and seek to grow in Christ. I blog at Daily Surrender to Jesus.
You are such a creative thinker. I have to admit to seeing old farm houses and wonder about their history, and the pitter patter of little feet. But, I could have never bridged that gap between the old house and my old “house” and what God can do for me. I love that you found a constant reminder in every day life.
Thank you Lisa! Yes, God is so good to give us those constant reminders that He knows we need, isn’t He? Blessed by your sweet comment today!
I loved this post Stacy! I too have looked at old broken down buildings and homes, and wondered what they were like when they were new? Wondered what kind of life people lived there before it became so broken, so destroyed, so condemed!
These verses say it so painly:
“For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son.” Romans 8:3
His Son came to give us a new life, built upon a solid foundation.
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”1 Corinthians 3:11
I love it that in Christ we become new creations. We don’t have to live in the shacks of ruin we used to live in when we have Christ as our King! We can be heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ! We can look forward to our mansions in heaven! (:>)
Yes, It’s such a wonderful thought, isn’t it… to be heirs of God… called to dwell in His abundant life and love! We are so blessed. Thank you so much Linda for blessing me by sharing your thoughts!
I love this image and the word picture you are using. I think it is because I am a recovering good girl, so this really spoke to my heart!
Thank you friend for sharing here and encouraging your sisters!
Thanks Stacey! It blesses me to hear that! And I am thrilled to be able to share here, alongside so many wonderful ladies!
Stacy, what a picture you paint with your words! I relate to the “good girl” syndrome you mentioned and the Lord is continually showing me how vast His grace is in the midst of my ugly sin. It’s so hard to lay down the try-hard performance life!
Thank you for sharing your heart, we are so blessed to have your unique voice here to encourage and speak truth!
It is hard to lay down that try-hard life, for all of us, which makes His grace that much more amazing! Doesn’t it? Thank you so much Ashlie for your sweet words!
What a beautiful post! It caught my attention immediately with the picture of the house…almost every crumbling building I see I try to see it as it was when it was new and occupied. What stories those walls and boards and windows could tell! But to compare it to our lives without Christ, well it was just beautiful! Thank you!
Such a joy to read your comment. Thank you Heathalee!
Hello Stacy!
Love your post. I too am someone who struggles with not “putting on the face”. I’m thankful for the change He has wrought in me!
Great to see you here at SIB!
Thank you Susan! And thank you for encouraging me through this chance to share here on Sisters In Bloom! God bless!