Inspiration & Worship
Power to Change
I
n the beginning of the year, we often have good intentions about improving our physical habits, from eating better to exercising more. But we can also make it a priority to improve our mental behavior, aligning it more closely with what Jesus Christ teaches us. To know what Christ values, we need to read the New Testament for ourselves, eyes to print. It’s not enough merely to believe what others say about him. Make no mistake: Changing poor mental habits requires self-discipline. Behavioral scientists say it takes about 40 days to form a new habit. But as Christian people, we have an advantage: We can draw upon the spirit of God inside us. This isn’t to say God will do the work for us; each of us has free will. But scripture tells us we can control our thinking. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” – 2 Cor. 10:5. In Romans 12:2, Paul writes: “And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” It must be possible. Many scriptures tell us that God supports us as we align our thoughts with His. Consider Isaiah 40:31. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” As King David observes in Psalm 139:13, our physical bodies are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Our human brains are no less stunning. God has given us the ability to think independently and to make, or not make, the two most important decisions of all: to love Him with all our strength and to love other people as we love ourselves. (see Matthew 22:37). It’s not easy. We live in a world that constantly divides us and pressures us to be the ugliest, most selfish and lazy versions of ourselves. But we can do it. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become as new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. ❚ Janine Pumilia 14
Smart Living Fort Wayne
January 2022 • II
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