Ok, so now that you are trying to get closer to God and find out how to walk in your calling, the next question is how do I get there? Something that is very critical to the Christian walk is renewing our minds on a daily basis.
Why is this important? Well, I'm glad you asked. In order for us to function fluidly in our calling we have to be in tune with the Holy Spirit and the instructions that He is giving us. In fact, I must warn you that when you decide that you are going to walk in your calling the enemy is going to turn up the heat in your life, and your flesh will try to rebel against you. Especially since the flesh wants to satisfy itself, and not the spirit. Romans chapter 8:6-7 says, "So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's will and it never will." (NLT; red is for emphasis)
There are multiple scriptures where we are strongly advised to crucify our flesh, and to renew our minds so that we can focus on the things of God. Whenever something is repeated throughout the Bible it is important that we pay attention and take note. In Colossians chapter 3 we are told to "kill off everything connected with that way of death..." (The Message), the things that are listed are sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, and they even go so far as to say "grabbing whatever attracts your fancy" now if that isn't all about the flesh I don't know what is. In order to effectively minister to others our flesh can NOT run us!
So how do we keep it under control? By renewing our minds DAILY. In Romans chapter 12 Paul tells us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. "...but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."(NLT) But it's not until we begin to spend time with God that we will have an understanding of his will for our lives.
We must protect our gates. We cannot listen to secular music and expect our mind not to wander, and the same goes for television shows and books that are heavily imbedded with sex, and other activities that would be gratifying (pleasing) to our flesh. Then we are opening ourselves up for our flesh to want it's own satisfaction. Instead, begin to listen to music that is full of scripture--worship music. I'm not going to advise you to listen strictly to Gospel or Contemporary Christian, but just be mindful of the message of the music that you are listening to. Make sure to read books that are building up God's kingdom and enriching your spiritual walk with Christ. Lastly, so many television broadcasts and movies that are Christian based are available to us that it would be a shame if we didn't take advantage of them. We need to make sure that we are feeding our spirit man and NOT our flesh! Take some time out to read Romans chapters 7 and 8, and see all that they say about our flesh and spirit.
So how much time do you spend in His presence? How often do you talk with Him throughout the day? Do you only talk to Him at home, or do you carry on conversations with Him wherever you go? It might seem like I have it all figured out now, but trust me I don't. I'm still trying to get this thing right! But one thing I do know to be true, is that starting off your day in God's presence is the best feeling in the world. I have to talk to Him first thing in the morning, and no my flesh does not agree with me. I value my sleep, but I know that if I don't get up and talk to Him that I won't feel right. So I charge you to begin setting out time to talk with God at the beginning of your day (and throughout), read your word, and allow Him to speak to you! Don't get up from prayer without listening for what God has to say. Communication is a two-way street. After sending a message, wait for the reply. I promise that you won't be disappointed, and that it will only improve your relationship with God for the better. Most of all you will feel renewed and revived.
God's Servant
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