It's Demo Day!

Fixer Upper co-host Chip Gaines’ favorite thing is “Demo Day”. At the beginning of every renovation project, he gets to charge in with a sledge hammer and tear stuff up. While constructive destruction isn’t everybody’s pastime of choice, the idea has some interesting spiritual implications.

We just finished a reno’ project at our place, and I have to admit that real-life “Demo Day” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Not only does it take a whole lot longer than you ever expect, but it’s really messy. In spite of the inconveniences, however, taking the bad/broken/ugly stuff down to make room for the good/functioning/beautiful stuff is a key part of the renovation process. I know you’d agree with me if you saw the original 1980’s faux-marble jetted bath in our windowless master bathroom. We yanked that baby out in order to install a big window and a pretty, updated shower and freestanding tub.

Now for the spiritual implications. When you really think about it, isn’t the whole Christian life a renovation process? At conversion, we confess our brokenness and commit to the renovation project. We acknowledge Jesus’ authority as our General Contractor. As the Lord does His work in us, we have to tear out those old habits of heart and mind, and “put on Christ” (Romans 13:14). The sinful desires of our human nature can be as tough to get rid of as popcorn ceilings! Still, we press on, following Him and learning about Him from the Word, and becoming more and more like Him as we grow in the knowledge and love of God: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13)

So pardon my dust, right? Obviously, if we’re all still running the race, renewing our minds, and demolishing the ugly bathtubs, then we can afford to give each other grace through the process. I might not have dry rot in my window sills, but I do have a crack in my foundation, so who am I to criticize my brother or sister in Christ?

By the same token, just as we are all works in progress, we also are called to live and act in the power of God’s Holy Spirit, every day. No matter where you and I are in our walk with Jesus, we have His Spirit in us now, and so we can do some spiritual demolition work through Him. Romans 8:29 says we are “conformed to the image of [God’s] Son”. That gives us, God’s chosen people, the authority in Christ to declare “Demo Day” on Satan.

Here is what God’s Word says about it:

“Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces.” (Exodus 23:24)

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

Whatever looks frightening, or ominous, or worrisome around us is just an earthly reflection of the intense spiritual battle that is raging in the heavenlies. Be encouraged! God has given us the power – and the weapons – to face these challenges, “demolish” the demonic strongholds, and “take captive” the evil thoughts. We offer grace to our fellow travelers in the faith, and we can stand side by side with them in Christ to fight and win the spiritual battles.

In Christ, every day is Demo Day, and He’s coming again for the Big Reveal!

Then my enemy will see it and will be covered with shame, she who said to me, “Where is the Lord your God?” My eyes will see her downfall; even now she will be trampled underfoot like mire in the streets. (Micah 7:10)

Standing with you,

Carolyn

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