Leave the Old Behind

Be renewed in the spirit of your minds. _{Ephesians 4:23}

Leaving behind old ways of thinking and reacting takes conscious effort. According to a Social Psychology study, it can take between 18 and 25 days for a person to form a new habit, and an average of 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic. Transformation is not instantaneous, it’s a process.

For the Christian, this process develops through the understanding of God’s word. Knowledge enhances strength (Prov24:5), a spiritual strength of the mind. As we grow in knowing more about Jesus and his character, the more we change inwardly to become like him.

“Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” _{Colossians 3:10}

Old ways of thinking are left behind as we pursue a new focus, but this is only done through the power of God’s spirit working within our spirit.

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth. _{Isaiah 43:18,19}

Are there ‘old’ parts of your life that are still conforming to old ways of thinking? Pray into those areas, surrendering them to the Lord that he may do a ‘new-thing’ within your life. The Father is the God of new things, so when we surrender the old to him, we open up our mind and spirit for the new to spring forth.

To be renewed in the spirit of your mind takes daily effort, so make a habit of handing your thoughts over to God and allow him to be at the centre of everything that occupies your mind.