More Than a Makeover
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Magazines and self-help guides alike encourage the reader to get a makeover. Sometimes those makeovers are for the face, others to firm up the body. Still, others call for an emotional makeover. These inspirational makeovers often call the reader to “Reinvent Ourselves.” But, unfortunately, the expectation is so high people usually jump right in reinventing without asking the simple questions, why or how?
Michael Thompson, in his article, “A Fundamental Flaw in Our Quest to Reinvent Ourselves,” calls us to slow down and consider the process seriously. By the end of the article, Thompson encourages us “to go to zero so you get back in touch with your true self.” Reinventing the wheel, a watch, or the self requires looking at the item or person in question differently. Otherwise, it will simply be the same thing with a little different twist. Putting lipstick on a pig doesn’t change the pig in any meaningful way.
Lasting change comes from transforming ourselves, and the way to do that is to go to zero. Questioning every assumption about who we are and why God created us helps get us back to zero. The more we review our values and beliefs, the more our true selves can come to the forefront. The transforming process takes time, energy, and prayer. We ask God to remind us who we are intended to be before we lose our direction, trying to impress everyone but God.
Today, begin the evaluation process by reflecting on who you are when you are your best self. What are your beliefs, values, and desires? Write them down. Almost none of us have an eidetic memory. Then, invite God to help you with a picture in your mind, visualizing the perfect you once reinvented. The more we find who we desire to be, the better we can make lasting changes that will honor God and bless others. Reinvent, but only do so when the intent is to become more Christ-like and do not settle for a shallow makeover.
