Have you ever heard of something being ‘repurposed’? Simply put, it is to find a new purpose for something. You take something that has been used for one purpose, alter it, and then use it for something totally different.
A few simple examples would be: taking an old tire, tying a rope on it, hanging it from a tree limb and using it as a swing; or taking clothing or other fabric, cutting it into pieces, and making them into a quilt.
Why would repurposing be the subject of a Christian devotion? Put very simply, God has repurposed us! He has taken us from our fallen, sinful state and remade us to suit His purposes!!!
Our Original Condition – Lost in our sin and battling against God.
- James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Why God Changes Us – Because he loves us.
- John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Our New Purpose – To bring glory to God in all we do and share His Truth with everyone.
- Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
- Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Let’s look at the process God uses to change us from sinners (slaves to Satan and the sin debt we could not pay) to saints (our sin debt has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and we have been set apart from the world and dedicated for use by God).
STEP 1: Regenerated (New Life - Saved) – When we are spiritually reborn, God gives us eternal life, a new nature, and righteousness that cannot be earned.
- Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
STEP 2: Reprogramed (New Thinking - Sanctified) – Then God takes us through a process that changes the way we think and act.
- Romans 12:2 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.
- Colossians 3:9-10 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
STEP 3: Reproduced (New Purpose - Servants) – Now God can use us to fulfill His glorious plan. He uses us to share his love and make disciples.
- Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
- 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
Never forget: we are called to be obedient, to glorify Him, and to share His truth with others; but He is the one, by His grace, that changes hearts and gives eternal life. God uses us as tools in the process of repurposing others.
Not only does God change who we are and give us a new purpose, He also changes our eternal destination. Because of His free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, we will spend eternity in Heaven with Him!!!
Prayer
Lord in Heaven, Your infinite grace, mercy, and love are beyond my comprehension. I could never adequately express my gratitude for all You have done, continue to do, and will do in my life. I pray that in Your strength, and according to Your Will, I will be a useable tool that brings glory and honor to your name and shares Your Holy Word with those who don’t know You. Thank You for saving me. Thank You changing me. Thank You for using me. I am Yours. Praise to Your Holy Name, forever. I offer my prayers in the glorious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
