Internal Renewal

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Looking around in amazement, I surveyed our main level as the smell of fresh paint stung my nose. A pale blue had replaced the mustard yellow walls of my kitchen; the neutral light brown of the living room was now a soft gray. The rooms looked brighter, bigger, and airier. I loved it.

“It looks like a completely different house!” I said, turning to my husband. “Why did it take us so long to do this? I can’t believe we lived with those walls for ten years!” Eyebrows raised, he nodded in agreement.

“It’s incredible,” he said.

Though the essential nature of the space had not changed—it still had the same walls and windows, flooring and furniture—one simple alteration had made all the difference. Of course, no one looking at the outside of my house would notice anything. But inside, it was radically different.

This kind of simple change demonstrates a spiritual truth. In Jesus, we are made new—not just once, but again and again. He renews our thoughts so that we can become more like him. This transformation is accomplished from the inside out.

As when I selected the soft blue and gray of my freshly painted walls, we have the privilege of deciding what our internal landscape looks like. Thanks to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can actively choose to follow his lead, take our negative thoughts captive (see 2 Corinthians 10:5), and replace them with the truth of his Word. We can refresh and restore our lives, viewing our current circumstances through the long-term lens of God’s love, mercy, and grace. He makes all things new—including us. Let’s follow the Spirit’s lead and choose to be renewed, inside and out.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Consider what your internal landscape looks like by checking your thoughts and attitudes. Pray for the Spirit to renew your mind and heart to experience peace, gratitude, and joy throughout your day—no matter what external circumstances you face.