If you asked me if my faith is something I should consider submitting to an at-home makeover, my first response would be, wait what? Now if we are talking about changing my hair, refreshing my makeup, switching up my eating habits or revamping my closet, I’m all for it, but makeover my faith? That just seems strange.
And that was exactly my (internal) response when Rachel brought the idea up to me last week. Making over our faith? What does that even mean? Change what we believe? Toss out our belief system? And then it hit me square in the middle of my mildy dramatic, type A, serious self. If my faith is the very thing I consider to be the center of my life, the purpose of my being and the message that guides all areas of my life, why on earth (as it is in Heaven!), would I not consider refreshing it from time to time? Because isn’t that what a makeover is all about? Taking what you have, the core of who you are and making the best come to life?
For me, this would mean tossing out the bad and broken beliefs and reminding myself of the truth on a more regular basis. And who doesn’t need that from time to time? It would also mean taking a second look at all of my faith practices and reevaluating my motives. What would this look like for you? No matter what you believe, the point is to consider what guides your life and what determines the way you think, feel and behave and give it much needed, regular refresher.
Will you consider submitting it to a makeover with me? Bare faced and openhearted, here’s how I’m doing it.
Reflecting
My Inspiration: “…but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.”
It’s true, reflecting takes time and time is something we all claim to not have enough of in each day. But taking a moment to reflect on how things are going and areas you want to change is absolutely necessary. At a church service this weekend I was reminded that true change can only come about when we become completely desperate to change. Let’s take some time and consider the things that are bothering us, bugging us and burdening us and decide enough is enough.
It’s also healthy for me to take time every now and then to make sure my actions match up with my beliefs. I may say I am trusting God in some areas of my life, but my frantic nature and insomnia over the matter tells a different story. So as a part of this makeover, I’m committing to regular reflection.
Recharging
My inspiration:”The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”
It’s not quite enough to make a running list of areas in your life that need a makeover. We need to reinstate the things that bring us peace and joy. I feel most energized and right about my day when I have taken some time in the morning (before email, work, breakfast and even Facebook) to read and pray. It’s just how I’m wired. When I don’t do it, I just feel off. Usually it’s a week later that I feel completely exhausted and realize I’ve been operating on my own strength. How are you recharged? Don’t beat yourself up for neglecting whatever it is, just realize the importance the practice has in your life and recommit to do it regularly.
Renewing
My inspiration: ” Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Your faith, or any lifelong practice, is exactly that, lifelong. So I encourage you to regularly renew your commitment to it. We renew licenses, marriage vows, even our phone contracts. We are in the practice of renewing things constantly. Why not renew your faith? The decision I made 23 years ago has been renewed a hundred times. It may seem funny, but sometimes I start from scratch and read through and think through the gospel message. After allowing myself questions and doubts, I have always come to the same conclusion of belief. I’d like to encourage you to renew your heart for the things that you believe in, the things that guide the way you live, whatever they may be. Think critically and don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions!
Have you decided some area of your life needs a makeover? Share with us below!
