It seems that reality shows have taken over our television viewing. One of those which have appeared in a number of versions is the “extreme makeover” variety. There are shows about an extreme makeover of the personal appearance of individuals. There are shows where they perform an “extreme makeover” of someone’s house or property. There is no telling what will come next. However, there is one “extreme makeover” that, though it is the one of most importance, receives the least attention. It is the “extreme makeover” of the spiritual kind.

The makeover we are concerned with in this article is that of the soul of man. Though it may not be a visible change as when they remodel a house, it is nevertheless of infinitely greater value. The Son of God used the analogy of a birth to depict this change. He said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). The apostle Peter followed this analogy when he wrote, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (I Pet. 1:23). At the point of this cleansing, all the filth that has accumulated over time will be washed away. Our old man has been washed clean through the blood of Christ (Rev. 1:5). The Hebrew writer said, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (Heb. 9:14).

At the point of this makeover, one changes from being spiritually dead to spiritually alive. Jesus said, “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). Paul wrote, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins…Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ” (Eph. 1:1, 5). The Corinthians were told, “but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (I Cor. 6:11). No greater change could possibly exist than that of this spiritual makeover. Paul said, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13).

This spiritual makeover is inclusive of every aspect of our being. When John the Baptist saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees’ come to his baptism, he said told them, “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” (Matt. 3:8). When Paul was in Ephesus, many believed and confessed, and showed their deeds. Many brought the books of their curious arts and burned them before all men (Acts 19:18-19). Their change of heart brought about a change in their thoughts and actions. Let us note a few of these visible changes that will result from an extreme spiritual makeover.

It includes an extreme makeover of our thoughts, our hearts. The “Bible heart” is the mind. Solomon said, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Thus, the heart is the part of our being that does the thinking; it is the mind of man. Paul said, “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” (Rom. 12:2). Note the instructions given to the Philippians, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).

This extreme makeover will necessitate a change in our actions. Paul said, “…seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Col. 3:9-10). When one is raised from the watery grave of baptism, he is to “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).

An extreme makeover of one’s speech is also seen. Profanity comes to mind first, but there are many other misuses of the tongue that will be cleaned out when one has made the extreme spiritual makeover. Lying, backbiting, bearing false witness, swearing, angry words and other such misuses of the tongue will be cleaned out of the house. It is to be replaced with the proper use of the tongue; kind words, praise, encouragement, the word of God and such will be that which must be uttered instead.

There are a few others we could discuss, but space does not allow it. However, enough has been presented to incite consideration of those who sincerely wish to be all that they can be. A spiritual extreme makeover will result in eternal life. (Send any questions or comments to: rcoliver@centurylink.net)