"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind". (Ephesians 4:23) As the new year approaches, around this time, most people tend to reflect on what the current year brought about. And, most people begin to think about what' s in store for the next year ahead. I had a discussion with someone at work on Christmas Eve, regarding how people take into account the current year. And she explained to me that each year-in the month of November (her birthday month)-she begins take stock of where she is currently in life and where she intends for the new year to take her. She also takes stock of her rights and wrongs committed in the year to others. As I listened to her, I thought of how interesting this was in reflecting on the current year. I also thought of how helpful this was in observing what needs to change or occur for the upcoming year.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that in some way or in certain times, many of us stop to reflect on the year we have had and the upcoming year that we intend to have. Many of us take into account the rights and wrongs that we have committed to others. As a result, we set out to fix the wrongs and become thankful for the rights. I like to call it "renewing the mind". I think that every now and then, it's always a good thing to purge and cleanse ourselves of unrighteousness. And as a result, we set out to do better. In this process, we also learn just how freeing and powerful forgiveness is. Once we are able to forgive the wrongs without looking back, we are then able to take part in the progression God has purposed for us all to walk in. We will never propel into our destiny, if we are willing to hold on to grudges and offenses committed to us by someone else. So, in renewing our minds, we also renew of spirits; in order that we are better aligned with Christ. And I have come to learn that the more I am aligned with Christ (in my attitude, my behavior, my decision-making, and my mind), I am better fit to be used by Christ. And He has called us all to be" fishers of men". (Matthew 4:19) So, how can we fish for those who need God, if we are still sinking ourselves (full of unforgiveness, negativity, etc.).?
So as this year draws to an end, I encourage anybody-really everybody- to become more determined to free yourself from all unrighteousness. Be willing to take stock of your current year. As a result, be willing to apologize for wrongs you committed to someone else. And be willing to extend forgiveness to those who wronged you. Be willing to be better aligned with the will of Christ. And be willing to renew your mind! You have a lot of work to do for the kingdom of God! "And put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him". (Colossians 3:10)
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