Power. Mind. Freedom.

If there is one life lesson a Christian should learn and live, it is this. It is in Romans 12:2: "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." As Christians, do we find ourselves wrestling with our thoughts and succumbing to their power? Then we need the transformation of our mind.

What is having this transformation? It is the act of putting on the new man. Who is this new man? This new man is the new self we receive when we put our flesh to death when we receive salvation. It is in Galatians 5:24: "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." The message is clear that when we receive salvation, we are dying to ourselves.

Then who is living? We are patterned to live like Jesus. Who is Jesus? Jesus is the exact representation of God Himself. When the Holy Spirit comes into us, we ought to see a change in our lives. We should not be very comfortable living the old style of life where sin is normal. Then, according to the Scripture, a sinless life is what is possible for a man who lives in the Spirit. Looks like a big statement. But dear friend, indeed salvation, the receiving of the Holy Spirit in us, is a big deal.

If we really look into the Scripture, the way the apostles lived after receiving the Holy Spirit is different from the way they were living and walking as disciples without the Holy Spirit. Then why do we find ourselves falling into defeat after defeat? Why are we failing to live a victorious life? We entered the life of redemption. If we sin, then was what Jesus accomplished on the cross not enough? Certainly not.

One thing we fail to remember is that sin is not a one-day event. It is conceived in our thoughts. When a sinful thought comes—or even worry comes (worrying is a sin)—how are we handling it? Do we find ourselves engaged in worry? When we engage with it, we are actually giving importance to it. Just keep it under the authority of Christ. The Bible teaches us to captivate every thought under Christ. Be it worry, declare that by worrying I am not adding anything profitable to life, as said in the Scriptures. Instead of dwelling, learn to say you are dead to that worry.

Think of yourself as a mountain. Many more birds are going to fly over it. Will the mountain react to the birds? It will not. Thus, whenever a thousand thoughts come over you to drown you, be a mountain that won’t give a thought to them. Because you should be clear about one thing: the old man is on the cross with Christ, and the one who is living is alive with Jesus for good works and holy living.

In this way, we empower our spirit man and start to live in obedience to the Holy Spirit. When we don't know the depth of the power of salvation, even after receiving it, we will still believe we are under threat. No, friend, walk in freedom. The Bible says, "When the Son sets you free, you are free indeed." Believe that you have put yourself on the cross when you received Christ. Trust that God has given you the new spirit and embrace the newness, the righteousness, the peace, and the joy that Christ gives us.

Dear God, thank You for Your love. Thank You for the salvation. May we live victoriously as children of God. May we live out the power You have given us over everything. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.