“Be renewed”

Then you put off the concerning the former conduct the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. But be renewed in the spirit of your mind that you put on the new man that was created by God in true righteousness and Holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Verse Reflections:  God gives us the power to change.  It is just that simple.  He allows us to put our former conduct behind us, to consider our former selves as the “old” me.  How awesome is that.  He is renewing the spirit of our mind every day when we read His word. The power of His word alone can change us and create a new man.  I love the words righteousness and holiness.  Righteousness simply means “right-ness”.  God is calling us to eat right, with right-ness.  Holiness means separated (from the world) by God. This is not merely changing our behavior; it is renewing our spirits with a conscious choice that begins in our mind and manifests in our daily actions. The same principle applies powerfully to our relationship with food, health, and self-discipline.

The “old man” Paul describes is shaped by habits, impulses, and desires of this world that promise comfort but ultimately lead to corruption. When it comes to eating, this may look like turning to food for stress relief, ignoring the body’s signals, or repeatedly choosing convenience over nourishment. These patterns can feel automatic, even justified, yet Scripture reminds us they are rooted in deception—offering short-term satisfaction while undermining long-term health and stewardship.

God does not ask us to fight these habits through sheer willpower alone. Instead, He invites us to be “renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Lasting change begins with how we think. As our minds are renewed by God’s Word, we begin to see food not as an emotional escape feeding our compulsions or reward, but as fuel—something entrusted to us for the purpose of strength, nutrition, clarity, and service. We begin to recognize that caring for our bodies is not vanity; it is obedience and worship.

Putting on the “new man” means stepping into the identity God has already created for us—one marked by righteousness and holiness. In practical terms, this looks like choosing foods that support life and health, practicing moderation, and responding to hunger with wisdom rather than impulse. Each healthy choice becomes an act of alignment with who God says we are, not who the old habits have told us we must be.

This journey is not about perfection. It is about daily renewal. Each meal is an opportunity to put off the old patterns and put on the new, trusting that God’s Spirit is actively working within us. As we submit our minds and bodies to Him, transformation follows—slowly, faithfully, and sustainably. Today we will eat God foods and renew our minds!

Prayer:
Lord, help me to put off the old habits that no longer serve Your purpose in my life. Renew my mind through Your Word so that my choices reflect the new person You have created me to be. Teach me to honor You with my body, and give me the discipline and grace to walk in health, righteousness, and freedom. Thank You Father for creating a new holiness in me.  You have truly set me apart from worldly temptations and worldly views in Your name.  Please keep up the good work in me.  I like this “new” me.  I know I need Your word, this time of centering, to overcome the “old” me that craves sugar and carbs.  It is nice to give myself the freedom to have whatever I want but not exceed ½ cup. Keep giving me strength to eat God foods. Keep changing me. Keep setting me apart in right-ness.  I love You!