In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus beginning His ministry in Galilee after the arrest of John the Baptist. His message was simple yet profound – “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15, ESV).
Jesus’ call to repentance was a call to change one’s mind, to turn away from the old ways of thinking and living and embrace a new way of life in the kingdom of God. This was not just a one-time decision, but a daily choice to align oneself with the will of God.
But what was this “gospel” that Jesus was preaching? It was the good news of God – the news that the kingdom of God was at hand. This was not just a future hope, but a present reality that Jesus was ushering in through His ministry. The kingdom was not a physical place, but a state of being where God’s rule and reign were acknowledged and embraced.
Jesus' message of repentance and belief in the gospel is just as relevant today as it was then. We all need to change our minds and believe in the good news of God's kingdom. The kingdom of God is not just a physical place, but it is a spiritual kingdom that we can be a part of through faith in Jesus Christ.
As followers of Jesus today, we are called to the same message of repentance and belief in the gospel. We too are called to turn away from the old ways of thinking and living and embrace a new way of life in the kingdom of God. May we have the courage and faith to answer that call and live as citizens of the kingdom, both now and forevermore.
To order to be able to change my mind, I need to renew my mind.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
How am I able to renew my mind?
As human beings, we are creatures of habit. We often find ourselves repeating the same patterns and routines day after day, without even realizing it.
These patterns can be both positive and negative, but it's the negative ones that can hold us back from living a full and fulfilling life in Christ.
Fortunately, it's never too late to identify and change our negative patterns. Here are ways to shift our focus and break free from destructive habits:
Choose to Focus on Christ
When we make a conscious effort to focus on Christ, we become more aware of His presence in our lives. We begin to see through His eyes and understand His heart. This, in turn, helps us to recognize the negative patterns that are keeping us from living in His fullness. Whether it's a habit of negative self-talk, a tendency to worry excessively, or a pattern of destructive behavior, choosing to focus on Christ can help us to see these things for what they are and take steps to overcome them.
Focus on God's Mercy and Love
When we focus on God's mercy and love, we are reminded of His grace and forgiveness. We remember that we are not defined by our mistakes or failures, but rather by His love for us. This perspective can help us to break free from patterns of shame, guilt, and self-condemnation. We can choose to let go of the past and embrace the future that God has for us, knowing that He loves us unconditionally and has a plan for our lives.
Creating new patterns in your life
Creating new patterns requires us to focus on God rather than ourselves. It's easy to get caught up in our own desires, fears, and doubts. But when we focus on God, we allow him to take control of our lives. We trust his plan and his timing. We surrender our will and our way to him. And we experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment that come from living under the reign of God's love and mercy.