PURPOSE: Navigating mind renewal when we fall short
An important reality we should acknowledge and accept is that we are going to fall short. The lie that when you become a believer, you become perfect needs to be reported to the police as a criminal offence lol. But the truth is, we will make bad decisions, we will make mistakes, and we will sin.
I always say this but I believe it to be true, that God in His infinite wisdom knew that we needed His mercies every morning because He knew we will fall short everyday. The all knowing, all wise God knew it will be inevitable.
Lamentations 3:22-23
‘Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness’.
But thanks be to God that we not only have mercy but we also have Gods word; our instruction manual, our guide, our how to, our sword, our light, our weapon… you name it.
One key component to remember when we find ourselves falling short, is that we need the word of God.
Psalm 119:105 captures it beautifully,
‘Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path’
‘Lamp to my feet’: informs us that God’s word provides guidance and direction for our actions and choices
‘Light to my path’: emphasises that God’s word illuminates our way, helping us to see clearly and avoid stumbling.
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
To renew means to resume (an activity) after an interruption.
similar terms mean to: return to, pick/ take up again, come back to, start again, begin again, restart… the list continues.
The reality is that when we sin, an interruption occurs. Our focus shifts, our posture changes, our mindsets alter and darkness finds room to creep in. But although yes we do fall short, what we choose to pick up determines whether we leave free or trapped.
But the goal and the desire God has of run is that we choose God. And that we pick up His word. What sin will do is that it will make room for darkness to creep in. But the beauty of choosing to pick up again the Word of God, means that you are choosing to expose and expel darkness with the word that is LIGHT. For where light is there can be no darkness. God is light and in Him there is no darkness - 1 John 1:5 and God himself is the word made flesh (John 1:14)
A key guide and instruction God has given us to do, is to renew our mind - Romans 12:2. Renewing your mind is not only vital for not conforming to the things of this world (social norms, values, trends etc) but also for not conforming and remaining in the funk of the wrong decisions we have made, our negative mindsets and internal dialogues, and even conforming to the voices and ways of condemnation.
However, something important to note is that renewing is an action. Simply meaning, yes indeed when we do fall, we must put in the active work; come back to the word of God, go back to the place of prayer, return to the feet of Jesus.
Though faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), Faith without works is also dead. So without your intentional and deliberate acts to renew your mind, you will not reach transformation. So go out and surround yourself with like minded community, go to church, seek after wise counsel. Meditate on that things that are good, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report (Philippians 4:8-9). Surround yourself with praying people and regain strength to pray again amongst the multitude… do the actions required of you, that will serve you well and lead you in to the path of transformation, so that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2)
So in summary, if you have fallen short like myself, and you dropped your sword… pick it about again. Resume and Renew. Transformation takes work. Renewing requires active work, it requires intentionality.
But also remember these principle things:
Be gentle with yourself
Be honest with yourself: be honest enough to help you understand why to you did, what was the trigger/s, what was it about the environments etc. and you will find that your honesty will help you build a plan to get well again and to prepare for when you get weak.
Remind yourself of the why.
Confide in trusted people
Turn to God
Remember to laugh
No matter what, we’ve got this x
Love always,
TM x
