From birth until redemption, our minds are being molded. Every situation, circumstance, and event molds our minds like clay into the image of our surroundings. Little by little, minute-by-minute, and second by second, we are being trained by observation of our setting, association of relationships, and lessons taught by some of the most unqualified instructors. It’s our culture, the Michelangelo of our minds, sculpting us into the persons we become the day that we brought into the light of the Good News.
The way we think. The way we believe. The way we hope. All are affected by the external conditions. These external conditions consistently condition the condition of our heart. A vicious cycle. It is the outward affecting the inward. The natural developing the spiritual. The heat from outside of the pot boiling the water on the inside.
Born as thermometers, we seemingly have no choice by to give into the pressures of life surrounding us. Whether more is desired or not, we find it almost impossible to break the chains of culture. The individualistic culture that includes our family, friends, neighborhood, age, gender, race, socio-economical status, and the list goes on. Because before the culture of our society as a whole begins molding you, those closest to you do.
Every close family member, best friend, and those constantly present neighbors all have had a hand in molding the clay to form the pot that you have become. Whether there was money in your parents bank accounts, a sibling rivalry that persisted in sports for years, or your best friend took a liking to overprescribing herself on pain pills- you’ve been affected… greatly.
But, there is hope.
When all hope seems lost, a great opportunity presents itself. After the caterpillar lived such a long time wondering about his future, a cocoon of transformation begins to build around it. As the cocoon builds, the caterpillar gets a glimpse of the possibilities. Possibilities that include a better way of life than before paired with a better way of thinking. It will no longer have to concern itself with the dirt and rocks in his path as he crawls to his destination. Now, its only concern will be how to spread his wings and fly higher than the day before. But first, his mind has to change.
"…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."
-Romans 12:2b
Transformation of your external begins with the renewal of your internal- your mind. Like the balloon that requires internal influence to be able to expand to its capacity and purpose- so do we. It doesn’t make sense. There is no logic to it. But, faith isn’t logical- now is it?
Mustering all the faith that you may have, mustard seed or mountain, you have to see your life in the eyes of God. He has plans. And, these plans are specifically for you. And, these plans are good plans- nothing to harm you. Unlike some settings that we were cultivated in, this Grand Gardener desires to plant seeds of faith into us that produce fruit to change the world. It’s in His might, His power, and His hands. Not ours. So, take a load off. The load of your pains, hurts, pressure, and boundaries placed on you from your family, friends, hometown, or enemies of the past. Like a concrete flower, press through your surroundings into your destiny. He’s waiting to change everything. Trust Him.
