Top Gear – Tear Down

God gives us a new identity the moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior. It’s the amazing gift of salvation. We become a child of God. But often we don’t feel all that different. That is because we still have the same mind we had before. God’s renewal process has begun, but our mind has to catch up.

Scriptures
Colossians 3:8-10; John 8:32; Proverbs 30:8

Verse
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:8-10

Thought
God’s renewing work in our mind is not a simple tune-up; it’s a major overhaul! Our attitude and actions are shaped by our beliefs. Those beliefs have been formed in us over the course of many years through the influence of our family, society, environment, education, etc. The process of renewing our minds means that our beliefs are rebuilt by God’s truth, as revealed through his word. His truth sets us free from our old way of thinking and results in our attitude and actions coming in line with His will. It may be slow; it may be messy, but we are rebuilt bit by bit.

Questions
How has your belief system changed since you accepted Jesus Christ? How have your attitude and actions been affected? What beliefs are you afraid to let go? What attitudes and actions are you clinging to even though you know what God has to say?

Response
Write down the attitudes and actions that you continue to perpetuate even though you know what God wants you to do? Ask God to renew your mind so that your beliefs line up with His will.

Prayer
Dear God, I’m afraid to let go of some of the attitudes and actions that have been part of me for so long. Help me to submit to your overhaul process. Help me to trust you more. I know that as I allow you to renew my mind, I will find peace and fulfillment in ways I cannot comprehend. Help me, Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.