RENEWAL

From My Perspective - - -

Most of us live with the reality Renewal. One has to periodically Renew a driver’s License; there is the Renewal of Car Registration and License Plates; some have to Renew a Prescription at the Pharmacy; many renew Magazine or Newspaper Subscriptions; an aftermath of the Aurora, CO shooting, there is a Renewed Plea for stricter Gun enforcement (part of the argument is that there are presently 9 Gun Dealers in this country for ever 1 McDonald’s Franchise), etc.  – the fact is that for something to remain current, there is a requirement for Renewal to achieve that result. The Synonyms amplify the concept of RENEWAL as being: recurrence; an awakening; a rebirth; recharging; recommencement; refilling; reformation; regeneration; rejuvenation; restoration; resurrection; revitalization; revival. One should begin to ponder and embrace what these things mean – Rebirth; Reformation; Regeneration; Restoration; Resurrection; Revival.

One should note that along with RENEWAL, there is the necessity for one to develop the capacity to THINK. In terms of what it means to THINK, there must be the addition of the word PROPERLY. It is significant that the Apostle Paul reminds those being addressed of the necessity to THINK correctly and properly. In Romans 12:3 (NKJV), “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not TO THINK of himself more highly than he ought TO THINK, but TO THINK soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” The thrust is: (a) Don’t THINK of yourself more highly than you ought to THINK; but to (b) THINK Soberly, on the basis of FAITH measured out to each one by God.

An old spiritual song contained these words regarding (a) How one should THINK, (b) What one should KNOW/REMEMBER and (c) Why it is Significant/Important. The refrain to the Hymn – “What You Are”  reminds one -

What you are speaks so loud that the world can't hear what you say;

They're looking at your walk, not listening to your talk,

They're judging from your actions every day.

Don't believe you'll deceive

By claiming what you've never know

They'll accept what they see and know you to be,

They'll judge from your life alone.

A Guideline for how one is to think and live according to the measure of Faith granted by God is stated in Philippians 4:8 (NIV), “Finally… whatever is true…noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” The Message Paraphrase, “Summing it all up…I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” A major thrust of the ministry and website – Break-Point – raises and answers a practical question: “What’s a Christian To Think (and Do)?” The answer given is: “Defend the Truth and Advance the Kingdom.” The Banner on the page goes on to assert: “We want to help you develop a robust Christian worldview – seeing, understanding, and engaging the world from a Biblical perspective.” Question: Do you have a ROBUST Christian worldview – or – are go a person who merely “goes along to get along” within your culture and world. Sadly, too many are willing to assume the position and posture – “don’t rock the boat” – and apply that without any regard for commitment to any cause or taking any stand. If the culture is running amuck, we don’t need to look too far for an explanation of why it is as it is. If ever there was a time for RENEWAL, it is now. In Revelation 2:5, the thrust of Jesus Christ as He walks in the midst of the churches is: Remember, Return, Repent/Recover. Anything other or short of this kind of RENEWAL is drifting without a certain direction or purpose. Consider these things with me.