June18: Makeup or Makeover

Linda Wright- Patrick

Theme: Transforming from the Inside Out

Romans 12:2 KJV

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of her mouth. I mean I could hear them but to think that someone would actually utter them in the presence of others, left my mouth wide open and eyes transfixed.

“I hate you and wish you fail at everything” her words filled the room disturbing the tranquility of the moment. I was being recognized for contributing to the community but all of that halted as the little girl began her tirade. The words couldn’t stop. She continued saying everything that bothered her. Her rage continued and ended with, “It should be my mother who is honoured today, right mom?” Her mother, embarrassed and speechless, hung her head down, avoiding eye contact with anyone. Breathlessly, she said, “Sorry,” grabbed her daughter’s hand and hurried out the room.

The deafening silence that followed could be cut with a knife. Finally, as if the interruption didn’t take place, the host continued with the rest of the program.

The rest of the event was a blur.

No one bothered to address the girl’s outburst because they had become accustomed to her negativity. No one chastised her or corrected her or even prayed for her. Everyone knew she had a problem but everyone ignored it. Her mother was feeding her misinformation, constantly spewing negative, comparing herself with others, and complaining about her life.

That was the dam bursting for the little girl. Her environment framed her view of others and outlook on life.

We have to allow the love of God to constrain us as 2 Corinthians 5:14 reminds us.

I managed to get through the day but as I settled in for the night with the makeup off, I couldn't help but take a mirror of introspection to look at myself.

Do I walk around with makeup covering all of my faults?

Do I turn a blind eye to blemishes in my life?

Am I hiding from the reality of my sinful nature?

Is my makeup preventing my makeover?

Will I allow everything inside me to be transformed by the master’s hand?

Am I pointing fingers at others with unconcealed blemishes?

We can get so caught up with what everyone is doing wrong that we try to fix and give them a makeover. But we have to stop. We are not the Holy Spirit so it is not our job to change anyone. So as much as we may feel we are right and the other person wrong; we must not think or even attempt to change anyone because we need our own makeover by the Holy Spirit.

You may have perfected the practice of applying makeup on you in all the right places but today I say be open to a makeover. This makeover is no ordinary makeover. It requires being broken and remolded but you don’t have to despair God will be there.

If anyone is in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation, the old is gone and behold everything has become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your makeover is not a one-time fix; it is a continuous process of allowing God to work on you. The songwriter Kurt Kaiser wrote a powerful song performed by the Heritage Singers, “I am willing, Lord, I am willing, Lord to be just exactly what you want me to be” … Oh Lord, don’t you ever stop working on me. That indeed should be our prayer.

What your sister is struggling with may never be an issue for you. Be okay with allowing God to work on her in His timing just as He is working on you. Don’t be content with covering up. Enjoy the freedom that a makeover in Christ gives. Your look will be transformed and you can show up exposed because you have nothing to hide and beauty to be revealed from the inside out.

Prayer: Lord, make me over daily so that I may represent you everywhere I go. Grant me compassion and grace for others. Help me to see them through your eyes.