Changing from the Inside Out

by Veronica Navarro

Everyone can change or conform situationally. No matter how well-behaved we are or how "sinless" we seem, no one is worthy of salvation. This is why we must seek God in order to get our heart right for Him. 

Colossians 3:1 reads: "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things with are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." 

So what does this mean? What does it mean to seek God? What does this look like?

Seeking God essentially means that we have an eternal prospective.

It means that we make God first in our life. Our first priority; our focus! Everyone is able to seek out the newest gadgets, clothing, etc. We are able to research the lowest prices, the highest quality products, etc. We are great at doing this with tangible objects, so why do we feel unable to seek God? We must decide to put God as the main priority in our lives.

Also, we have to get our minds right. 

Colossians 3:2 says: "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Our thoughts have a direct impact on our daily lives and our relationship with God. It impacts our actions as well. 
 
We tend to think about what we are most exposed to, whether good or bad. Many times, however, we expose ourselves to things that will hurt us and pull us away from God. In order to change this, we must make a transformation of our mind that can only happen if we are in His word and listening to His teachings. We must also be doers of the word and not hearers only. 

Romans 12:2 reads: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Here are a few steps to be successful in your mind transformation: 

1. Ask God to meet you in scripture—Ask God to show you what you need to see. 
2.  Read the Bible with a humble or repentant spirit—Without the right mindset, we may not receive the correct message from the scripture. 
3. Meditate on a fairly brief passage—If the passage is too long, it may feel like a hassle or an obligation. It may also be more difficult to focus. 
4. Take one thought of verse with you throughout the day—This verse stood out for a reason. Remember it. 
5. Allow that verse to become part of your memory—Keep this verse just incase you need to repeat it. Put it to music if it works!

At the end of the day, we must let our actions follow! 

Colossians 3:3-10 says: “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,”

Essentially, we have to put our sins and addictions to death. Remember, if you are a follower of Jesus, you are renewed; you are a new creation so live like it!

Ultimately, if our heart and mind are in the wrong place, you better believe that our actions will not reflect the heart of God.

What will do decide to do with your life?