I have an amazing opportunity every week. I get to (literally) set the stage for 125 or so people to worship our God. Our multi-site meets in an old elementary school about 20 miles from my home. Thirty minutes into the process, the large middle screen is up and audio gear is out of storage. An hour into it, and the stage is up, lights are on and being set, and audio is well on its way to being done. 90 minutes, beginning to end, and a small gymnasium becomes a place worship. We have a great crew of men and women who dedicate this time each week, and they rock!
There is a process that occurs each and every time we do this--the screen is set while audio gear is hauled from the practice/storage rooms, the stage goes up while lights are set. Audio goes on-stage as platforms are put up. Stage is set while chairs are put out and projectors aimed. Soundboard is programmed while final tweaks occur with lights and projectors.
While we have gotten into a smooth rhythm, but it took a while, and there is still a process. The gym doesn't become a worship center by doing the work itself.
The same is true with our spiritual lives. We cannot transform ourselves into "holier" people without the work of the Holy Spirit. HE must set the stage. He must reveal those things which need repair or removal. HE must work in us. And, we must let Him. I posted this earlier:

But the good news is this: while our refining is an on-going process, the end result is someone beautiful, someone pure, someone who has been made holy and can worship IN THE PRESENCE of a holy God. The God who created us, knowing we would struggle, stumble, and sin. The perfect God who sent His perfect Son to redeem an imperfect people. The loving God who gives us the Holy Spirit as our refiner.

Father, I thank You that You use this imperfect person to reach an imperfect world with Your perfect love and forgiveness. Help me to remember that Your work of perfecting me will not be comlete on this earth. Help me to not be frustrated when I don't get it right, but to instead trust in You every step of the way.