Starve the Old, Feed the New

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Many of us long and desire to grow and move on from our past ways of thinking and living. One of the greatest things I learned is that we have a choice every day on what we want to let die or what we want to give life to. Whatever you entertain, whatever you feed will grow. When you become a new creation and when you choose to embrace the newness that it is taking place in your life a light is shined on the things that you must get rid of and what you must no longer take part in. You start to notice how your language brings death instead of life (Proverbs 18:21). And how your way of thinking keeps you a slave to fear (Romans 12:2).  Recognizing what needs to be changed is just one step to growing into the new, but it is also a very important one. It easier said than done at times but you must choose to embrace the new in those moments when things are difficult. You must overcome urge the feed your past desires. In my life there were some things that did not die simply because I wanted them to, I had to make a commitment to stop feeding them. I had to say no to responding a certain way to troubles, I had to say no to some conversations, and I had to say no to some people.

So, what are the new things that you need to feed, and what are the old things you need to starve so they could die? Are you still feeding the old things? Are you starving the new things?  In your frustration, hurt, and pain are you feeding how you use to respond or how you need to respond. Does your choices line up with your commitment to growth. I want to encourage you to feed the new and starve the old in every day and in every moment.

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Does gossip still bring you happiness?

• (Say no to any unwholesome talk) Ephesians 4:29 – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.)

Does mess and drama fill your cup?

• (Protect your peace) Romans -12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Your conversations should line up with the direction you want for your life.

• (Speak Life) Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Surround yourself with positive energy.

• (1 Corinthians 15:33) Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Guard your mind by being intentional on what tv shows you watch, the music you listen to, and podcast you view.

• (Philippians 4:8) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.