“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16
Can you say this about yourself? Every Christian has access to the Holy Spirit power that does this. But many Christians don’t use that power. They aren’t seeing their inner self renewed daily. Sometimes they put so much energy into trying to slow the wasting away of their body that they neglect the renewal of their mind and soul. The reality is that our physical bodies are corrupted by the Fall into sin. Over time, they will inevitably break down, grow weak, and become ill. It’s certainly wise to be a good steward of your body by eating right, getting exercise, and getting good sleep. However, obsessing over that won’t prevent the inevitable decay of your body over time. At best, it can slow that decay.
However, in Christ, our inner being, our soul, doesn’t have to be that way. Our soul is eternal. Once we put our trust in Jesus Christ as Lord, the Holy Spirit of God comes to live in us. He’s in us to renew and transform our soul, if we’ll let Him. Jesus invites you to cultivate a spiritual life that is continually renewed by the Holy Spirit, growing more and more vibrant and spiritually impactful, even as your body inevitably breaks down. This was Paul’s experience. Even as he felt the effects of age, travel, persecution, incarceration, and physical abuse, his soul was growing ever stronger in the Lord.
How do you strengthen and renew your inner self daily? Spend time in God’s Word, reading and studying it for yourself each day. Take a few minutes to meditate on what you read – what does it mean and how does it apply in your life. Spend unhurried time in prayer, talking to God and listening for Him. Worship Him often in public and private. Discipline yourself to give joyfully to God’s work on earth. Serve God energetically and sacrificially, pouring out your life for Him. Share Christ happily with those who don’t know Him. Find ways to spend time with God’s people, enjoying the fellowship of the saints. #FollowJesus