There is nothing like a good vacation or holiday to renew your mind and body. Time away from the daily grind can give you a fresh perspective. It’s almost like you are a new person. This is why God tells you to observe the Sabbath. It renews your mind. Spiritually you need to put on your new self as well by spending time worshipping and in the Word of God.
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.
Overcome the Old Ways
The Ephesians, like the rest of us, struggled with overcoming the old ways of doing things and living the new life Christ had given them. Paul is encouraging them to walk in that new life and for them to do it by renewing their minds. They couldn’t do it through their own effort but by worshipping Jesus and being taught the Word of God. Will power will only get us so far in the battle against our corrupt and deceitful desires. We need the Holy Spirit to transform us.
Renew Your Mind
In Romans 12:2, we are told to renew our mind so that we wouldn’t be conformed to this world. For that to happen, we must become a living sacrifice. A living sacrifice is someone who has laid down their own agenda and submitted under the authority of Jesus Christ. They’ve committed to be obedient to the Word of God and to follow the leading of the Spirit. They also understand that serving is the way to a fully transformed life.
Watch What Goes In
Are you struggling to put the old life to death? Do you keep stumbling into the sin you so desperately want to stop? Before you start some new regiment of self-discipline and denial, start by renewing your mind daily. Be committed to you daily devotions but go beyond that. Take an assessment of what you are listening to and watching. Exchange the music you listen to for worship music, trade in Youtube for podcasts that teach you the Bible, and read biographies of the Spiritual Giants who God has done great works. What you put into your mind is what comes out.