Yesterday, I attended a women’s conference geared toward spiritual growth. The speaker, Pam Farrel, worked through some insightful scriptures and life applications, then left us with an outline for putting thoughts into action. One of the worksheets starts with adopting a favorite word for the year. I’ve been doing that for about six years, so that seemed to be a good starting place. My word for this year is joy. Do you have favorite words? I guess that might sound strange now that I think about it, how do you feel about the word transform…. you know what? I like that word. I’ve added it to a list of other favorite words like integrity, faith, discernment, wisdom, peace, contentment ….
Have you ever seen those kid toys that look like a vehicle and with a few twists of parts, becomes a super hero? Transforming our minds so we have a right view of the world is a lot like that – although let me tell you, it’s not so easy as just turning a wheel to become an arm, leg, or protective helmet. Transforming our mind is the first step to transforming our behavior and seeing the world through a different lens. So, while we live in the world, we don’t let it ‘squeeze us into its mold’. There are many reasons why I love the word transform, but one of them is because it gives me hope. Renewing my mind is where it starts because what is stored in my mind eventually cascades into actions which then become habits.
To form a good habit, or get rid of a bad one takes more than performing the act over and over. I’ve heard it takes 21 days to form a new habit. I’ve tried the 21 days. I must be a slow learner because on day 22, I am just as likely to fall back into an old pattern as I was on day 3! Why is that? For me, it’s because while I train myself to repeat an act over and over, I haven’t renewed my mind. Yesterday I mentioned the idea of an 11th commandment and after the conference, this verse came to mind. What if Romans 12:2 became the 11th commandment? “Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.”
I don ‘t know how many habits I’ve tried to break in my past or even how many should be in process now. I know that unless I transform my thinking, any chance to stop whatever it is, will fail. Note to self: To be transformed, you’ve got to renew your mind. Only then will those repetitive acts become authentically infused into your character.
Every act was once a thought. If I am going to live the way that pleases God, which is what I am called to do (Romans 12:1) it starts with renewing my mind. This means I have to capture every thought and before it takes root in my heart, make sure it aligns with what God says is right.
I have miles to go before I get it right. But scripture gives me hope. I can live transformed because my journey is not complete until I take my last breath on Earth. While I am here, I pray as David did in Psalm 51:10 Create a pure heart in me, Lord and renew my spirit and keep me strong so I can shine for you.
Ready to transform your life? It isn’t a magic act. Presto and your life changes. It’s the little things you do day after day, the actions moment to moment that change your life. It starts with ‘the thought’ ….
An exceptionally inspiring article with a soft touch of spirituality! Love the tone, the artstry and the finesse with which Ms. Anderson brings forward her deepest thoughts for all to share and learn from.
Thank You and GOD Bless!
Bharat I can’t say enough thanks for your gracious comment about this article. Your words touch me. With gratitude. 🙂
Please accept my humble salute, Ms Anderson!
It’s funny how when one writes an article, within a few days something pops up that coincides with it. We make our own happiness, however that is defined, but one thing for sure, God as I know HIM cannot be left one even one day of my life. Thanks Jane again for a insightful article.
Thank you, Lynn. You know your comment about articles coinciding? For that very reason I have all but stopped writing. I’ve been reading and commenting on article others have written and not publishing anything myself. I’m still trying to decide if that’s the best decision or not. 🙂
You should never stop writing. I too see simulacra articles pop up after i post one. But if we write about business, spirituality, or life we all walk the shared journey and all these things require comment and contemplation as we each see them and write about them. The same truth can be spoken by more than one person. i love what you write and it inspires me to write. Writing is a gift a voice that floats on the wind. What dwells within us seeks a voice so please write, please share and please continue to inspire.
Thank you for your kind and encouraging advice. I think I see your point about the same truth being spoken by more than one person. I don’t think I have ever inspired anyone to do anything before. Your words brought a smile to my heart that came out all the way to my face. You are the inspiration. 🙂 Be blessed and encouraged.
Thank you for your kind words. Just know that often we feel we are alone on the path however someone may be just over the next hill or around the next turn. In truth we are never alone on our journey. Never be afraid to reach out
Your writing is always a “spiritual breath of fresh air” Jane.
Awwww, thank you Danny. You are an inspiration.