Making Room for Something Better

I currently have several projects going on in my life, mostly home renovations and landscaping, that have me thinking a lot about spiritual transformation. As I was pulling some weeds, I realized how much these physical transformations are like our spiritual transformations.

Types of Transformations

Some transformations happen quickly like repainting a room. This may be like the change that happens when someone becomes a Christian or makes a decisive break from a sin pattern.

Others happen slowly like waiting for trees to grow to create a shade canopy. A biblical example of this would be Moses’ growth from a desert shepherd to becoming a steady, humble leader. For us, this may look like years working with a biblical counselor, daily Bible reading and meditation, or the steady influence of a wise friend.

Some transformations are simply part of regular maintenance like replacing 17 year old carpet. Peter experienced this when Jesus reconciled with him after his denial (John 21). We experience this when we attend a focused retreat, have a difficult conversation with another person, or rehearse Scripture we have memorized.

Some transformations come through major disruption or loss like losing a quarter acre of trees in Hurricane Helene. Saul of Tarsus went through this kind of major life change when he was blinded on the road to Damascus and eventually became the apostle Paul. In our lives, we may go through divorce, a difficult friendship separation, a scary health diagnosis, or the loss of a job.

How Transformation Happens

One thing all types of transformation have in common is that something must be removed in order to make space for something better. In spiritual transformation, this is what Scripture calls repentance: turning away from sin and turning toward God’s goodness and life.

Maybe there is something in your life you need to give up because it is taking too much of your time, focus, or money: social media, a digital game, or extreme online shopping.

Sometimes transformation means setting new boundaries in relationships. This is not about controlling others or cutting people off, but about deciding how you will respond to certain behaviors and clearly communicating those decisions so that love and truth can both be maintained. In many situations, relationships are strengthened not by immediate removal, but by honest communication and clearly stated limits that give space for understanding and change.

Transformation is Ongoing

Transformation is not a one-time event. Just like paint needs to be retouched, weeds keep returning, and houses require ongoing care, spiritual growth requires continual attention.

Looking back on what God has brought us through, how He has changed us, and where we are now is one way we can be reminded to maintain His changes.

Daily reading God’s Word, fellowshipping with other believers, and growing in prayer are also ways to maintain our transformations. I know it is not physically possible for everyone to make it to an actual church service for many reasons. In those cases, an online Bible study, watching live stream services, or regular conversations with believing friends and family can still provide meaningful fellowship.

Paul describes this ongoing transformation in Ephesians:

But that is not the way you learned Christ!—  assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,  to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,  and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

-Ephesians 4:20-24

The question is not whether transformation is happening in our lives, but what we are actively putting off to make room for what God is inviting us to put on.