Made NewSample

...Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. - Ephesians 4:23,24

What we think about will form us into the people we become. We can focus on what drags us down, or we can focus on content that builds us up and can begin to fill our lives with good things. Thankfully, there are a lot of good and beautiful things to think about. 

One way to fill our lives with what is good is to practice gratitude. When we slow down and count the gifts God has given us — lungs to breathe fresh air, friends or family, a youth group to go to — we can realize that there are a lot of good things to think about. 

Another way is through our phones. It’s true: our phones can be a place where we access negative content, but it can also be a place where we fill up on good content. For example, this app. YouVersion is a great way to fill your mind with good things. You’re already doing this by choosing to take part in this series! You can also add the “Verse of the Day” through YouVersion, and get a Bible verse on your phone every morning. It’s a great way to begin to get the truth of God’s Word into your heart and mind. 

In a letter to the Ephesian church, Paul encouraged them to throw off their former, sinful nature and put on their new nature. This is part of how Jesus makes us new. We can begin to remove the ways we used to think and behave as we slowly transform into the people who Jesus calls us to be… people who think good thoughts and fill our lives with good things. In this way, we’re — in Paul’s language — “putting on our new nature.” 

We can focus on thinking about what is true and good. We can remind ourselves of the truth of our identity: that we are loved, have purpose, and are made brand new by Jesus. We can surround ourselves with people and content that builds us up, encourages us, and challenges us, making us stronger to keep going in the decision we made. We can keep reading Bible plans on YouVersion! By re-training our thoughts in this way, Jesus is making us new. 

The exciting thing is, everyday is an opportunity to be made new by Jesus. It may not happen overnight, but it’s incredible the life-change that Jesus can bring over time. 

What’s one way you can start filling your life with good things?