06/19/2026
The computer I use to write these posts needs to be replaced or repaired. As modern technology goes it is becoming obsolete. I am trying to decide if I should have it repaired, purchase a new computer, or purchase a renewed and refurbished unit. With my limited budget I am considering a renewed computer.
As followers of Christ we are sometimes tempted to become complacent in our Spiritual growth. We fall into the trap of thinking that we are doing everything we should be doing for the Lord. We allow the Bible Classes and worship assemblies to be the only times we study the Bible. We all need Spiritual renewal from time to time. We should replace that complacent attitude with a new desire to increase in our Spiritual growth and in our service to the Lord. Scripture tells us to be renewed.
I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your Spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2. ESV
The word translated "renewal" is anakainosis: a renewal, renovation, complete change for the better. (Thayer P. 38) The Christians in Rome would have re3cognized a contrast between a living sacrifice and the sacrifices the pagans offered to their "gods." Some of the Pagan idol worshipers were practicing human sacrifice. Christians are told that they are living sacrifices, meaning the whole reason we live is to serve Christ. We renew our minds by replacing worldly thoughts with good thoughts from Scripture. When our minds get cluttered up with the things of the world then it needs a renewal, a renovation. It needs to be made new again.
The mind is God's way of creating our "central processing unit." What we put into it determines what comes out, and that becomes our guide for living. When we replace the evil thoughts, the worldly things stored in our memory, with Spiritual thoughts that guide us into Christian living then that Spiritual CPU is functioning the way God intended. Just as a computer CPU needs a power source to operate, we have a power source. It is the Holy Spirit.
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:1-7 ESV
Our renewal is eternal. If I purchase a "renewed" computer, it will eventually break and become useless. The core of our Spiritual mind is the cross and the resurrection of Christ. We keep our minds centered on the cross. The power source is the Holy Spirit.
Our faith in Christ can never be replaced by computers. AI and all that is associated with it will pass away with this world, but in Christ we will live eternally. Let us program our Spiritual "CPU" to think eternally!
David Templeton