Transforming Your MindSample

It can be hard sometimes to let go of our old selves when we choose to start following Jesus. The things of the world can look tempting at times- we may want to keep old relationships, addictions, or actions, even if we know they aren’t good for us or aren’t pointing us to Jesus. This is especially true of the things in our life that we place a high value on, including ourselves. These idols that get in our way are part of our old life, which Jesus tells us to leave behind when we come to follow Him. In the book of Ephesians, Paul encourages the early church by telling them to “throw off” their old nature and previous way of life. If we try to let go of things slowly, it’s hard to forget about them. When we throw them away from us, we make a stance and commit to living a new life in Christ. That is when the true transformation of our minds and lives can take place. We find freedom through the transforming of our minds in Christ!

Challenge: Throughout your day today, practice thinking about things that are worthy of praise. If you start thinking about something that you know isn’t pleasing to God, remember this verse and bring your thoughts back to good things, like the list from Philippians 4:8.