Do you ever watch those home makeover shows on HGTV? I love to see how these talented individuals can turn a dilapidated house into a beautiful home. In 2 Kings 12, we get to read about the home makeover of the temple. 

During this time, Judah (the southern kingdom) had been controlled for many years by different kings who did not fear the Lord. This meant that the temple in Jerusalem had not been maintained and was now in need of repair. Joash was the first king in a long time to do right in the eyes of the Lord. He instructed the priests to take money that had been given at the temple and begin making long-promised temple repairs. Money, workers, time, and materials such as stone and timber were necessary to make these repairs. 

When we ourselves do not fear the Lord and make him a priority, our lives begin to be in desperate need of repair. Often without even realizing it we begin sacrificing our time and money to idols such as TV, work, hobbies or other worldly things. In turn, these idols begin to rule our lives. When this happens, we must turn back to God, rededicating time and work to put God back on top in our lives. 

It likely would have been easier and cheaper if the temple in Jerusalem had been maintained rather than allowing it to reach the point of falling apart. The same is true for us. If we conduct regular maintenance checks on our spiritual lives, we are less likely to find ourselves needing an extreme spiritual overhaul. 

Take a few minutes now to assess your spiritual health, checking for cracks in the foundation. Do you spend time in prayer daily? Do you read and study the Bible? Do you fellowship regularly with believers? Are you serving and sharing Christ with others, seeking to expand the kingdom? Above all, do you love God with all your heart? 

Is your spiritual life in need of repair? Call on Jesus; he was a carpenter after all. 

Lucie Rogers

Extended Scripture: 2 Kings 9–12