by Elizabeth Haarberg

Finding newness in mind of Christ

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

The post from yesterday focused on the old: memories, Old Testament and how do we reconcile those things.

Today’s post is about the new, anticipation of what is coming. Who doesn’t love the idea of something new. A new car, a new baby, marriage, new body. The hope of the world is set on the young and new.

How do we re-new our minds and ourselves everyday?

“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”
Romans 12:2

Paul tells us in Romans that we need to renew our minds. This is how we stay relevant and youthful, not special creams or the newest exercise or diet fad or some outward experience.

Our obsession with a youthful appearance is how our mind and human nature desire renewing. The desire for youth is not bad, but understanding why we desire those things from a spiritual standpoint may provide an answer that settles our soul.

Our bodies are necessary for being the hands and feet of God but if our minds are not transformed constantly, the work we do externally can quickly become self-motivating or for nothing from an eternal standpoint. Jesus requests a deeper work. He wants us to drink the living water, the fountain of youth. As we go deeper with him, heaven comes to Earth and the eternal youth we long for is present for a moment.

There is no pain in heaven, no tears, no aches. It’s the only absolute utopia. We can’t recreate it here. We can only drink in moments of eternity on Earth.

Instead of a new diet, more exercise, what if we resolved to spend more time in God’s presence? He won’t ask us for more will-power, more sweat or sore muscles, just stillness and reception of His love.

Let Him renew us this year! Happy New Year!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado