November 2, 2024

Ephesians 4.22, 23 (NIV)

You were taught, with regard to your former life . . . to be made new in the attitude of your minds.

When people contact Jesus, they change.*

Each of us has attitudes and opinions which we think are imbedded in our DNA and so, therefore, they can’t be changed. How many times have you heard it said (or said yourself), “That’s just the way I am”?  And here is one I have used: “I’ve always been taught that (insert false doctrine here).”

Well, here’s some news for you: if it weren’t possible for us to change, Paul wouldn’t have reminded the Ephesians to do it. Oh, it’s not a one-time thing. We don’t renew the attitude of our minds today and think that we won’t have to do it again tomorrow. Nor can we say, “Well, today I failed to be made new in the attitude of my mind so that’s it.”

And here’s another point of fact: it will not be done for us. It is “a continuous process which is dependent at every point on the consent of our wills."* We can’t have a renewal without spiritual help, but the Spirit won’t help us if we don’t want him to.

So what happens to my mind when it is renewed? Will I become smarter? Perhaps not. But, in some ways, perhaps yes. When your mind is renewed, your spirit is changed as well. You can’t undergo that kind of transformation without developing improved judgment and learning to make better choices.

How, then, do we accomplish this renewal? As has already been pointed out, we first have to want it, and second, we have to allow it. Finally, just as our bodies are nourished and strengthened by eating the right food, we are “strengthened spiritually by feeding on His Word, enjoying communion with Him and fellowship with His . . . people.”*

And what is the ultimate goal of this daily renewal process? To have the mind of Christ. And that is why we do not give up.

As we do what we love to show others God’s love, we find spiritual fulfillment and renewal.*