Be Renewed

Hard to believe that it’s already October. It feels like time has just flown by this year, and we’re already in Fall. I’ve always enjoyed Fall. There’s just something about the cooler weather and Sun going down early that I really like. Only thing I don’t like about early fall is when you get up in the morning and it’s in the 40s, so you dress all warm. But four hours later, it’s 70s and 80s out and you regret dressing so warmly. But I do love the changing of the leaves, and I’m sure a lot of us enjoy the beautiful nature of the leaves changing. Why do the leaves change color? The leaves change their color each year in the Fall because of the changes in both the length of the day and the temperature. The changes in the environment around the tree cause it to begin adjusting for the new season.

In Romans 12:2, you are urged to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, and not to be conformed to the ways of the world. When you become united with Christ, you are transformed by the changing environment of your life. You are transformed in Christ and transform. The thing about the leaves on trees is that when they change, they fall off to be replaced by fresh, new, green, living leaves. Your old life falls away, and you are renewed as fresh and alive in Christ. What an amazing experience to be transformed by God and to be renewed! These growths and changes are a vital and meaningful change that you experience.

But there is another type of tree. Evergreen trees don’t change with the seasons like other trees do. Unlike the changing trees, that are transformed and renewed on a yearly basis, evergreens stay green throughout the changing seasons. After our initial transformation and renewal, we become like the evergreens. The evergreens remain consistent through the changing of the environment around them. “Do not be conformed to this world,” as it says in Romans 12:2. When you have become one with Christ, you are to stay consistent in Christ.

Sounds difficult, especially with how fickle humans can be. But that’s the beauty of God’s blessing for His church. The Holy Spirit has been sent to those in Christ, and He is called the great helper. The Holy Spirit guides you and leads you to follow through and to be consistent. To not be conformed to the ways of the world. As we continue through October and see the leaves changing, see these as a reminder to be transformed by the Spirit and to not conform to the ways of the world.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me a transformation and renewal in my life through the Holy Spirit. I ask that you help me to not be conformed to the ways of the world, but to be consistent in my walk with you. Thank you for the reminder that the trees give us. I ask that you continually show me your promises in nature in my life. In your name I pray, Amen.