NEW BEGINNINGS: 2013--DAY 3 (CHANGE YOUR MIND!)

“Do not be conformed any longer to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  Romans 12:2

Change is also a verb! 

An “action word” as it is said to elementary school students.

Begin is also an action word!

So begin!

Or begin again!

So change!

Or change again!

Many take a passive perspective  in New Year thinking.  Yes, the year has indeed changed.  And yes, 2012 ended, and all that happened that year.  But the smoker who wants to stop smoking must stop buying cigarettes in 2013.  There is no way around it.  At some point, those who want change MUST CHANGE THEIR ACTUAL ACTIONS!

Now, as it is written, the transformation begins with a new mindset.  Assuming someone WANTS to change, that he or she is genuinely motivated to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to stop life damaging behaviors, the place to begin is thinking differently.  This doesn't  mean “mind over matter,” or “positive thinking.”  It  means exchanging deceptions with truths that have confidence inspiration.  The Spirit inspired word of God, or truth, has the power to set people free. 

According to Jesus:

“If you abide in my words, you are my true followers; you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

By “free,” Jesus meant liberation from sin!  In fact, he considered those who sin SLAVES OF SIN! 

In today’s language, the word would be ADDICTION!  

Jesus promises to set people free from addiction, from slavery to sin! 

Here is the condition for liberation:  Listen to and live by the words of Jesus. 

This is neither mystical nor magical. 

Jesus said that he was born and came into the world to bear witness to the truth; that all who are of the truth hear his voice.  

Everyone has heard something so powerfully true that it changed their minds instantly and permanently, at least once in their lives.  This is the power of truth, and truth comes from God.

If even this seems unreal, those who seek change should imagine what DOES seem real. 

Just as C.S. Lewis said,

“Very often the only way to gain a quality in reality is to act as if you had it already.” 

How would you act if you WERE a different person in 2013? 

Act

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That!