As we start off a new year every one is making resolutions. Sometimes they’re quickly accomplished like ‘learn to ride a bike this year.’ Others may last the entire year, but have short reaching effects afterwards; I have a friend who resolved to watch every Will Smith movie in 2011.
Usually, the most common resolutions aren’t just a one time deal. ‘I resolve to eat less junk food,’ ‘I resolve to study harder so that I can get good SAT scores,’ or ‘I resolve to be a better big brother,’ are all things you may hear from your friends this month. They all require a change in habit which ideally will last even once the year is over.
There’s something about habits though. They’re hard to make or break!
Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians that we are to “put off [our] old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires” and “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
It’s more than an outward changing of habits to live like a ‘good Christian’ though. The way we think on the inside matters just as much as what we do.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2a
What does it mean to transform something? The dictionary defines transform as: “To change the nature, function, or condition of.”
An inward change is what will have a lasting impact on your habits and actions! When you allow the Lord to direct your thoughts, He will direct your actions too.
What is an area where you want to get rid of a bad habit? Where does your mind need to be transformed to look more like the mind of Christ?
Pray this month that God will reveal this area to you and that He will transform your mind and bring it into alignment with His will.
Dig Deeper
Read Ephesians 4:17-32 – What are some of the characteristics of the world? Of the man who has been renewed?
In Psalm 51 King David recognizes that God is the one who transforms our hearts. Can you read this Psalm as a prayer for your own life?
This post was taken from our new, monthly camper follow-up email. Click here to subscribe.
Usually, the most common resolutions aren’t just a one time deal. ‘I resolve to eat less junk food,’ ‘I resolve to study harder so that I can get good SAT scores,’ or ‘I resolve to be a better big brother,’ are all things you may hear from your friends this month. They all require a change in habit which ideally will last even once the year is over.
There’s something about habits though. They’re hard to make or break!
Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians that we are to “put off [our] old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires” and “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
It’s more than an outward changing of habits to live like a ‘good Christian’ though. The way we think on the inside matters just as much as what we do.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2a
What does it mean to transform something? The dictionary defines transform as: “To change the nature, function, or condition of.”
An inward change is what will have a lasting impact on your habits and actions! When you allow the Lord to direct your thoughts, He will direct your actions too.
What is an area where you want to get rid of a bad habit? Where does your mind need to be transformed to look more like the mind of Christ?
Pray this month that God will reveal this area to you and that He will transform your mind and bring it into alignment with His will.
Dig Deeper
Read Ephesians 4:17-32 – What are some of the characteristics of the world? Of the man who has been renewed?
In Psalm 51 King David recognizes that God is the one who transforms our hearts. Can you read this Psalm as a prayer for your own life?
This post was taken from our new, monthly camper follow-up email. Click here to subscribe.
