Change of Mind – Change of Heart
“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he [the unclean spirit] walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he [the unclean spirit], and taketh with himself seven other spirits [his former friends who are unclean spirits also] more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation (Matthew 12:43-45).”
The person written about here has decided that he is unhappy with his life and circumstances. He decides to “turn over a new leaf,” to make a new year’s resolution. He sweeps the “house” (his mind) clean of those unwanted thoughts. He begins to study his circumstances and attempts to make changes in his lifestyle to suit his new mindset. This person is pleased with himself and filled with self esteem. He has changed his mind, but has done nothing to consider changing anything else. He believes he has been renewed, but the foundational condition of his mind has not been changed.
Having wandered around for a while in this new and foreign environment, he finally wanders back into his old life. After all, it was not all bad. Surely there were some pieces; his old friends, some old habits, worth salvaging. Convinced that he has done a “good” thing and that this present good is better than the old “bad” he begins to take on more of the old, until the more becomes seven times more than he ever had.
He has in effect changed nothing. He enters back into his old habits and lifestyle with gusto. Thinking that he has done away with the his old life style he convinces himself that he has done the right thing. From that point on he renews old relationships and does not understand that he had really done nothing worthwhile. His last state is much worse than his first.
“The word of the Lord unto Zerubabbal, not by might [human strength] nor by power [human will] but by my [Holy] spirit saith the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)”
Worth comes from the outside. Esteem is estimation. How do you estimate the value of a thing? There must be a measure, a metric by which you judge. An internal measure is moldable, changeable, and subject to your own will and purpose. You cannot become anything but what you are as long as you use self-esteem. Your worth comes from the outside. It comes from God, because you are created in His image and likeness. You cannot change yourself to fit the image of God. You must submit yourself to God and be changed by him to fit that image. A person in his own power and strength is incapable of rebirth; God alone can do that.
“He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (II Corinthians 5:21).”
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