Even though I’m a teacher, the R’s I’m referring to are not Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. And that doesn’t make sense anyway – only one word begins with an R!
Last summer, we were consumed with a remodeling project prompted by an overflowing washing machine. It struck me (in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep from the overwhelming situation) that our lives – everyone’s life – is similar to this event. Repentance, Redemption and Restoration are the words that came to mind.
If the ultimate goal is restoration (beautiful floors) then the first step must be Repentance, “to change one’s mind,” like ripping up disgusting carpet that is growing mold, which we had to take out of every room. Similarly, we must search every part of our hearts for sin so that we can rip it out. It is a humbling process being on your knees for weeks and months, whether it’s refurbishing floors or hearts.
Repentance leads to Redemption, the saving blood of Jesus Christ and submitting to Him on a daily basis. Scouring the concrete to prepare it for stain was far more involved than we ever imagined.
However, in order to do the job correctly, we had to commit to excellence. Just ask Jesus what he had to do to redeem the world!
The final result is Restoration (floors that look better than the original) and hearts that are made fit for God in eternity! I praise God that He gave us the grace to complete our project and that He gives us the grace to be transformed by His Holy Spirit. May you be blessed this Christmas as you reflect on the Reason for the Season – Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith through Repentance, Redemption and Restoration.
Share with us your journey of the Three R’s.