A Resolution to Renew Your Attitude
“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:23-24 (KJV)
It’s that time of year again to adopt an attitude for action. A check-up from the neck-up!
Now you might ask, “What are you getting at preacher? Make it plain!” I am talking about your New Year’s resolutions. Statistics suggest that forty-five percent of US citizens will make a New Year’s resolution. Here is a list of the top five resolutions:
- Stay fit and healthy
- Lose weight
- Enjoy life to the fullest
- Spend less, save more
- Spend more time with family and friends.
The aforementioned statistics reflect the resolutions of a secular audience. However, I believe it is safe to say that a large number of believers would also embrace the same resolutions. But I respectfully submit to you that in order to successfully meet one’s resolutions for 2017 it must start with the inner man. More specifically, it must begin with the mind and heart. For the follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, it starts with the spirit man before it can manifest itself in the external actions.
The Apostle Paul put forward the position by way of prayer and inspiration of the Holy Spirit that the Ephesian believers would increase in strength in their souls and consciences (inner man). He was clear to specify that the source of that strength is the Spirit of God.
“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” Ephesians 3:16 (KJV)
It’s imperative to internalize this truth. The truth is that individual intestinal fortitude, self-motivation, and willpower will not reward you with a successful resolution. Only a renewed resurrecting power of the spirit of God can result in a new man. We must act with an anointed attitude. We can implement an anointed attitude because we have the mind of Christ and His Spirit lives in us.
“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV, emphasis mine)
“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” 1 John 4:13 (KJV, emphasis mine)
Our opening text instructs us to renew our attitudes and adorn ourselves with the attire of God. Consider this. Individuals that are incarcerated are adorned with specific attire. Their attire is in alignment with the attitude and expectations of the environment.
However, when an inmate of that environment is set free he will jettison the jail attire. But it is also essential that he jettison the jail mentality as well. Likewise, as children of God we must regularly reject the conscience of the captive instead committing to the conscience of a conqueror and the clothes of Christ.
Again this habit of the heaven-bound will activate the ability to arrive at our resolutions. By the way, change is the course for children of God. We also have to renew ourselves daily for restoration and a rich and real relationship with the Lord.
So before you resolute you must renew your attitude! Then you will be able to reward yourself with refreshing change that will characterize your new year.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR