You have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator (Col. 3:9-10).

What does it mean to be a new creation in Christ? One dimension of this new reality is how the Holy Spirit works inside of us to teach, train, and rewire our minds for growth and maturity. 

The supernatural rewiring of the Holy Spirit reminds me of the electric trains I played with as a child. When I wanted the train to go in reverse, I did not push it with my hands. I used a switch that changed the wiring, so the same train that had rounded its track in one direction would now move in a new direction.

In a similar way, the Holy Spirit changes our thoughts and desires. In one sense, we are still the same person with the same body and appearance. But, in another sense, all of those aspects of our being are now moving in a new direction. 

Once we were moving away from Jesus; now we are moving toward him with thoughts and desires controlled by the knowledge of One who loved us and gave himself for us. Even when we sin, our betrayal of our Savior convicts our hearts. We long to put off sinful practices, and actually have the power to do so. 

What has happened? God has supernaturally rewired our hearts to love and serve him – something impossible prior to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Knowing and experiencing his re-wiring gives us confidence to move in the direction he empowers.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for the fact that my old life is past, and I have new life in Jesus Christ. May the new life the Holy Spirit is wiring into my thoughts and desires motivate me to love, serve, and obey you more each day.