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One popular hobby among crafters and do-it-yourselfers is that of furniture restoration and with current social media platforms, “furniture flipping” has drawn even more interest. There is something intriguing about taking an old, worn-out chair or table, which would be considered useless junk, and bringing it back to life, thus making it useful, attractive, and functional again.
In much the same way, the Gospel of Jesus Christ compares to furniture restoration. First, old furniture has become worn, damaged, or stained from years of use or abuse. After years of living separated from God, people become spiritually corrupt, and their life stained with sin. After the old furniture is rescued by the restorer, work begins to strip off the old, damaged finish, preparing it for the new. When the repentant sinner comes to God through Christ, the old is stripped away and the new spiritual person emerges. The bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17)
In most cases, the restored furnishing is placed back into service and becomes a useful piece of furniture again. The person who has confessed Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10) and has been baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27), now finds themselves reconciled with God and in His service. However, for the restored furniture to remain useful, it must be cared for and maintained. In the same way, the Christian must take care of their spiritual self by consistent worship, contact with God’s word, fellowship, and good works in service to the Master Restorer (John 4:23-24; Heb. 10:24-25; 2 Pet. 3:18; Acts 2:42; Eph. 2:10).
Jay Launius
Maud Church of Christ
Maud, TX