LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 4:22-24, …put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

When talking about “renewing your mind” one must understand Paul is talking about no longer practicing the way one lived before their conversion. The “old self”, as Paul calls it, is doing the sinful things done before coming to know and follow Jesus Christ. It also means giving in to deceptive thoughts; sin is deceptive, causing us to think that which is harmful is what is best for us.

Paul is writing to remind Believers that “being renewed in the spirit of your minds” is to be transformed into the “new self” through a process of personal and spiritual growth. It is getting rid of those old ways, habits, speech, and beliefs which no longer serve the Believer, that do not show a new life in Christ. As a Believer, you help this happen by no longer doing what you did or allowing your mind to think on those things you used to allow. This is not a one-time event, but a continuous, daily part of walking the narrow way. It is a willingness to let go of past behaviors and attitudes that do not line up with righteousness and holiness that God’s Word teaches. Can I say from experience that is a mindset that embraces and strives for a higher moral standard to live by each day. It is a daily effort to live according to what the Lord wants.

Paul calls this “renewing your mind”. I know how difficult some of that old way of thinking is to correct. Some of those old habits and thoughts are difficult to give up. The “old self” had been deceived for so long. When Jesus saved me, there was stuff difficult to give up. It took great desire to “put off the old self”; I had to “take every thought captive to obey Christ”. I learned that these battles were going to be fought in my mind and heart. Wrong thoughts lead to wrong actions, which lead to disobedience to Jesus Christ. Because that is true, right thoughts must lead to right actions and obedience to Him.

The process to “renew your mind” begins with the decision to stop thinking like you used to, surrender your old ways, and allow the Holy Spirit to change and transform your thoughts, attitudes, and even your perspectives so they can be aligned with God’s Word, His will, and His purposes. Doing so will allow you to walk the narrow way in God’s truth as it fills your mind. I had to be reading/studying/meditating God’s Word daily, in prayer, and be with other Believers so my mind would be renewed. It took time, but eventually God changed me. I still must continue this daily routine.

When Jesus said walking the narrow way would be difficult, He meant that the enemy would challenge you in your mind daily trying to deceive you. That challenge comes in all forms; it most often begins in your mind. That is why a godly routine, seeking to conform your mind to the mind of Christ is so important – no matter how long you have walked with Jesus, no matter how much you know about His Word.