Years ago, when I switched from using a Windows computer to using an Apple, I ran into some difficulty related to the fact that some of the software I used regularly only worked on Windows. The solution I found to this problem involved a program called “Boot Camp.” Boot Camp allows a Macintosh computer to restart running windows. So, my computer could run two different operating systems. One minute it was a Mac, the next it could be a PC. However, if I wanted to run my new programs, I had to step away from the Windows side of my computer. With New Years behind us, many folks are thinking about how to “do better” this year. Thoughts of weight loss, reading more, making more money, etc. are filling us with inspiration… at least for the next few weeks. The sad reality is that the follow through tends to fall apart. I would suggest that this is a direct result of a “Mac vs. PC” kind of problem. Just telling myself I am going to play with my phone less, eat healthier, exercise, etc. is not likely to work because I am still me. The person that I am, who loves junk food and would rather scrollFfacebook than read or play with my kids, will not suddenly change unless I change who I am. Real change in life is a direct result of fundamental change in my mindset, thinking, and “operating system” if you will. Simply trying really hard to not eat as much junk food (for example) will only work as long as I have the energy or will to not eat junk. Instead, I have to become the sort of person who does not eat junk food in excess. A new operating system has to be loaded into me for life change to happen. For Christians, this is a result of dying to our old self and coming to new life in Christ. The Holy Spirit progressively fills us and changes our hearts and minds as we consume the Word and commune with Him. It is like loading a new operating system that produces love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, and self-control (to quote Paul). These things do not come about as a result of trying really hard to not indulge in our fleshly desires, rather by filling ourselves with Him. By nature, our sinful selves will tend to seek out things that are contrary to God’s will for us and His best design for our lives. Paul tells us that sin in us tends to take control of the car and steer it where we don’t want to go. Most folks have experienced losing their temper and saying things and knowing that they should stop talking, but not quite being able to stop themselves. This is the old operating system at work in our lives. This is not to say that all believers exercise self-control or that folks who don’t follow Jesus never do. Rather, that God’s plan for us to develop self-control and significant life change is through His changing of our hearts and minds. Paul put it best: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
