New Me

I am still living in the same body that I was born with. I’m still using the same hands that made mud pies as a child and the same legs that ran, jumped and played as a kid. Now I’m older and I often wish I knew then what I know now. There are some things that I would have done a bit differently. I would not have been such a jerk in 7^th & 8^th grade for sure. I would have chosen my friends a bit differently. I would have been more respectful to my parents and grandparents. I would have been a better student. I could get stuck in those thoughts of the things I wish I could go back and do differently. I can’t change my past. I can only change what I do today and tomorrow, if tomorrow comes. I have never met anyone who can change their past.

Paul writes one of my favorite passages in scripture as he charges the Ephesus church to renew their minds. He reminded the Rome church in a similar way about renewal of our mind. To the church at Ephesus, he reminded them of who they used to be and who they are now. When I think of where I came from just a few years ago, I’m so humbled and grateful that the Lord has my heart. Check this out….

²¹ Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, ²² throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. ²⁴ Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

²⁶ And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

²⁹ Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:21-24,26-27,29,31-32 NLT)

I want my thoughts and attitudes to be renewed each morning as I listen to the Lord speak to my heart through His Word. I want to grow to be more like Him. I want the words of my mouth to be from a heart committed to Him. I want my behaviors to reflect a heart devoted to Him. I want other to want to be around me because I’ve been with Him. I want the new me to be clearly visible at all times, even when things aren’t going the way I would like them to go. I want to love and forgive like He has loved and forgiven me. I want to be more like Him than I was yesterday. I want the Spirit to renew my mind today.

Pressing On!

Dwayne