Changes We Must Make

To change something means to alter or make it different. Everyone from time to time will need to make changes in their life.  Change is a process that I believe must start on the inside of you. When a person is "born again" or saved, the experience doesn't start on the outside, but on the inside. And everyday we should be changing and conforming into all that God desires of us.

If a person isn't changing, they aren't growing. And just because someone may acquire knowledge it doesn't necessarily mean their mind is renewed. Knowledge can provoke change, but change only comes when you act on the knowledge you have. Tweet This

The evidence that your mind is being renewed is when you don't respond the same way to old temptations. If you want to change outward manifestations, then change what is in your heart. Only the Word has the power to root out the bad things you have stored in your life.

I.  RENEWING YOUR MIND IS A KEY TO CHANGE -- Here are five keys to making changes in your life:

1. Renewing the mind is a process that takes time.
2. Your thinking must line up with the Word of God.
3. The Word must be your final authority.
4. Your thinking determines the type of life you live.
5. Plant the Word of God in your heart and use it to renew your mind.

II.  CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR CHANGE -- Five steps for creating an environment for change:

1. Ask yourself what you are doing to create a positive change in your environment.
2. Put off the former, un-renewed nature. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
3. Take responsibility for your life.
4. Take responsibility for your words, thoughts and actions.
5. Determine if you've been tolerating things in your life that shouldn't be there.

III.  YOUR LIFE IS A REFLECTION OF WHAT’S IN YOUR HEART

Matthew 6:21 informs us that where our treasure is that is where our heart will be.  If your treasure is negative, your life will be negative. Your thoughts will often translate into outward behaviors, that's why it is vital that you closely monitor what goes into your mind. (Read Pastor Keith's "What Are You Thinking About"). You have the power to choose your outcome in life.  You will choose life or death, based on what you treasure inside your heart.  If you have good things in your heart, good will come out; however, if bad things are in your heart, bad things will come out (Matthew 12:35). You must always deal with the root issues in your heart and mind and the Word is the only thing that has the power to go deep into your spirit and root out bad treasure (Hebrews 4:12). Never run from change, but welcome it if it is God's change.

IV.  YOUR THINKING CONTROLS YOUR DECISIONS AND CHOICES

Family, finances and relationships are all areas where you must make decisions. The degree to which your mind is renewed is the degree to which you will experience change in your life. A mediocre life is a life that is average.

V.  ALLOW GOD TO CHANGE YOU

Any person who is in Christ is a new creation - 2 Corinthians 5:17. God wants transformation to continue even after you become born again. Transformation is a process of undergoing change.

What change is God directing you to make?  Are you willing to make them?

-- Pastor Temple