Read John 3:1-21
A new way of thinking is the path to changing how we live.
John chapter three features a compelling encounter that Jesus had with a man by the name of Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler among the Jewish people. Nicodemus approaches Jesus at night to talk to him. Jesus explains to him in verse three, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” And in verse five, ” Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Nicodemus was struggling with understanding and accepting the challenge that Jesus brought to him about adopting a new way of thinking because in verse nine, Nicodemus says, “How can these things be?”
Life change begins in our thoughts.
Jesus understood that life change for Nicodemus began in his thought life. The path to changing his heart was found in revealing to him of some key truths. So, if Nicodemus receives the teaching of Christ, he has a new life. If he clings to his old way, then he has bought into a counterfeit truth that will keep him stuck in the life that he’s always known.
When we resist change, we miss out on new opportunities.
In other words, the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus represents the power our determined way of living can have over us. When we resist new information, we miss out on new opportunities that hold the promise of a new life.
Choose a new way filled with hope and progress as opposed to remaining on a path of discouragement that promises to deliver the same results.
The journey through weight loss has parallels to the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus. Especially what it means to accept a new challenge that offers a new way of thinking and behaving. As former ways of thinking and behaving intersect with new information and opportunities, one’s initial response can often be viewed as a threat to old, and often satisfying patterns, that have been established. However, it needs to be understood that this intersection of decision-making forces one to consider. It forces a choice, a new direction that is in alignment with hope and progress. This is opposed to remaining on a path of discouragement that promises to deliver the same results.
Embrace a new direction for life change.
Jesus offered truth that was coupled with the path to progress and freedom. Nicodemus offered resistance that possibly keep him stuck in the old way. What about you? Are you receiving and embracing new information and moving in pursuit of the life change, you desire? In addition, are the old patterns of thinking and behaving restricting you from going forward to reach your goals? The choice is yours, and the path only runs in two directions. So, consider the opportunities and the consequences, and make a determination to commit to A New Way!
Song: