Friday | Maintenance & Renovation: Repentance & Renewal
Friday | Maintenance & Renovation: Repentance & Renewal
Friday, August 22, 2025
Reading For Friday | Psalm 91:1-2
A LIFE UNDER ONGOING CONSTRUCTION
Every homeowner knows: a house isn’t “done” just because you moved in. Over time, paint fades, floors wear down, and repairs become necessary. Neglect those small issues, and they grow into bigger problems. But regular maintenance keeps a home healthy, and intentional renovations can make it even better than before.
The same is true for our spiritual lives. A rule of life isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool—it’s a living framework that grows and adapts as God works in us. Sometimes that means small adjustments: refining a habit, strengthening a relationship, or finding new ways to rest in God’s presence. Other times, it means deep renovation—allowing the Holy Spirit to tear down what’s broken and rebuild it according to His design.
Scripture gives us this promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). That’s maintenance. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God Himself is the Master Builder who will “carry on to completion, the good work He began in you.” That’s renovation.
Repentance isn’t a sign that our “house” has failed—it’s part of how God keeps our lives aligned with His purposes. Renewal isn’t an optional upgrade—it’s the ongoing work of transformation that shapes us into the image of Christ.
This week you’ve begun the process of identifying some core elements to your rule of life. Throughout the rest of this series we’ll be revisiting each of these rhythms and processing them more fully. Repentance and renewal will be helpful tools to keep close as we continue to build and refine our rule of life.
Every homeowner knows: a house isn’t “done” just because you moved in. Over time, paint fades, floors wear down, and repairs become necessary. Neglect those small issues, and they grow into bigger problems. But regular maintenance keeps a home healthy, and intentional renovations can make it even better than before.
The same is true for our spiritual lives. A rule of life isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool—it’s a living framework that grows and adapts as God works in us. Sometimes that means small adjustments: refining a habit, strengthening a relationship, or finding new ways to rest in God’s presence. Other times, it means deep renovation—allowing the Holy Spirit to tear down what’s broken and rebuild it according to His design.
Scripture gives us this promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). That’s maintenance. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God Himself is the Master Builder who will “carry on to completion, the good work He began in you.” That’s renovation.
Repentance isn’t a sign that our “house” has failed—it’s part of how God keeps our lives aligned with His purposes. Renewal isn’t an optional upgrade—it’s the ongoing work of transformation that shapes us into the image of Christ.
This week you’ve begun the process of identifying some core elements to your rule of life. Throughout the rest of this series we’ll be revisiting each of these rhythms and processing them more fully. Repentance and renewal will be helpful tools to keep close as we continue to build and refine our rule of life.
PRACTICE FOR TODAY | SPIRITUAL HOME INSPECTION
- Take 15 minutes today to prayerfully “walk through” your life, as if inspecting a home.
- Ask God:
- Where are there cracks I’ve ignored?
- What parts of my life need fresh paint—small but intentional care?
- Are there whole rooms YOU want to remodel?
- Write down one area for “maintenance” (a small habit or adjustment) and one area for “renovation” (a deeper transformation God is inviting you into).
- End by thanking God that He is committed to completing His good work within you.