Enkindling

Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. NLT

I believe most Christians fail to grow because they do nothing to change the way they think. I believe most Christians fail to love outside of themselves because they dare not go outside of themselves. They have no world view or world experience. I believe some Christians have a relationship with God although the scale almost always tips in their favor and not God’s. How can we ask God to transform us if we are not willing to do the same? How do we expect to hear from God unless we listen? I believe most Christians are more apt to listen to their friends and accept input for change rather than get it from God.

I believe being born again is so much more than just the sanctification of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit to keep me from my sin. I believe being born again is me saying to God that I trully want to change my life around and will take action myself to keep me from falling into the customs of the world. I believe when we are saved we not only get a new heart. We also enter into a process of renewing our minds. I believe when we combine our new heart with our renewed mind we find it easier to surrender to the will of God in our lives.

I believe each of us is responsible for finding ways to renew our minds. It is an ongoing pursuit. We must take our strengths and use them as a sword. The following are ways that I pursue the renewal of my mind:

1. Journal - Keep a record of what God has done in your life. Pass it on to others.
2. Worship - Acknowledge your dependence on God and use your talents.
3. Memorize - Sometimes a memorized verse is just what I need to hear.
4. Test - Ask the Holy Spirit to confirm before you let things seep in.
5. Study - Don’t just accept what you hear. Do your own research.
6. Pray - Talk to God and give him time to respond. A relationship works BOTH ways.

The following are pledges I have made to spur my spiritual growth:

1. I resolve to listen to others even when there is frustration present.
2. I resolve to pray blessings on those who curse me.
3. I resolve to take responsibility for my life and my choices and still remain connected to those who desire the best for me.
4. I resolve to be careful to not let others “should” on me.
5. I resolve to appreciate the differences in people so as to see their strengths in light of my own weaknesses.
6. I resolve to use my creativity to chase my dreams and bring others closer to God.
7. I resolve to tell my story of what God has done for me to all who are willing to listen without forcing it down their throat.
8. I resolve to look for the benefit of delayed gratification versus getting or demanding what I want immediately.
9. I resolve to never be fooled into thinking a princess or anyone else for that matter could ever complete me.
10. I resolve to own my feelings when dealing with others.

Your turn…