A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers 

Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  The year was 1888.  A scientist and inventor looked at the morning newspaper and to his surprise and horror he saw his name in the obituary column.  The newspaper had inadvertentlyreported the death of the wrong person.  Initially, his response was one of shock.  He thought to himself, “Am I here or am I there?”  When he regained his composure, his second thought was to find out what people had said about him.  The obituary was entitled, “Dynamite King Dies.”  Included in the detailed obituary was also a reference to the man being “the merchant of death.”  You see, this man was the inventor of dynamite, and when he read the words “merchant of death,” he asked himself a question:  “Is this how I am going to be remembered?”  That day he decided that he would not be remembered in that fashion.  Thanks to an erroneous obituary, the inventor of dynamite began working toward peace.  His name was Alfred Nobel and he is remembered now, not for being a “merchant of death,” but by the great Nobel Prize, including an award for peace.  Alfred Nobel refused to accept that the die was cast in regard to his legacy.  Before this shift occurred outwardly, in society, there first had to be a renewing of Nobel’s mind.  Changes in the mind first begin with a change in what one believes.  Our beliefs determine our feelings.  Our feelings determine thoughts.  Our thoughts determine our behavior.  Transformation without, initially begins with a mind inwardly renewed.  We can change our direction in life by a change of mind.  If we attempt to change our behavior without a change of mind, then we are engaging in a futile activity.  But once our mind is changed, behavioral changes will follow.  This is why it is so important each day to renew our minds with God’s Word, and not be dominated by external forces, including the opinions of others.  Like Alfred Nobel, your life and legacy do not have to be determined by your present circumstances.  The course of your life can be changed; and that change can begin now, with this new day.