More Renewal

More Renewal

It’s summertime. Time to hit the beach, the mountains, the lake, or the theme park. There is something about taking a vacation that renews us. It is a chance to retreat, to sleep late, and to be with friends and family.

Renewal is a critical part of our spiritual lives too. But how are we made new?

Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (ESV).

Spiritual renewal involves being renewed in the spirit of our minds (see Ephesians 4:23). We are renewed when we do three practical things:

1. Practice the Presence of God: The call of Jesus is a call to abide or dwell in him. John 15:5 states, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” We can approach God’s throne through prayer and praise.
2. Park in God’s Word: Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (ESV). We are to read God’s Word and let it saturate our hearts and minds.
3. Ponder Eternity: Colossians 3:2 states, “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” We are called to set our minds on eternal things.

Putting on the new man is an exercise in seeking more of what God offers. To get spiritual renewal, though, you have to hunger and thirst for it. As you seek personal refreshment this summer, seek spiritual refreshment as well.

Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.

Ephesians 4:22, ESV