Become New
There are many messages out there for the believer that speak of the ‘new man’ and being ‘born again’ as the Gospel of Jesus Christ wipes us clean and makes us new. The most often quoted scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old is gone, the new if here! We are given a new life, a clean slate, a brand-new nature and a fresh perspective on a reality living for the purposes of God. It is miraculous, awesome and overwhelming in its generosity and freedom. This is the power of the Cross that Jesus did it once and for all time for us. We get to be ‘new’ for a second time! Sadly, for many of us, this newness wears off over time. The trials of this ‘human’ part of our spiritual journey can be daunting when we allow them to overshadow our purposes in God’s plan for our lives. Unfortunately, this is a state that requires some effort on your part to rectify. Are you feeling old again? Renew your mind. Are you feeling disconnected from God? Renew your mind. (He didn’t go anywhere, and He didn’t change while you were pouting). Are you unhappy? Renew your mind. Are you dissatisfied? Renew your mind. Are you fill in the blank with a feeling you don’t like? RENEW YOUR MIND. Jesus does not need to ‘save’ you again. It isn’t your faith that needs a freshen up, it is your brain! And you actually have to expend some effort in the undertaking. The scripture does not say “Jesus will notice that you are feeling like the old man again so He will smack you upside the head and renew your mind for you.” Romans 12:2 says [Hey You! Yes, YOU! Listen up!] Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind!” Science says that complaining trains the brain to make you feel bad, but there is tremendous power for change in the made-up mind. Make up YOUR mind to believe that we are more than just our feelings. If they rule our lives, we can only play rope-a-dope until the bad ones pass and a good one comes along. If we cultivate the habit of complaining, the good feelings get fewer and fewer until we just feel bad all the time. And feeling bad all the time? Thy name is ‘the old man’ and he is long dead and gone in Christ Jesus! RENEW YOUR MIND. Be transformed. You are GUARANTEED SUCCESS if you renew your mind in Christ Jesus (Read it again…Romans 12:2). Lighten your burden and give yourself a faith lift. Say the words! Repeat after me: RENEW YOUR MIND IN CHRIST JESUS!!
