People who are raised in a nurturing environment tend to perceive God as a loving Father. However, when you are raised in a destructive household, your view of God becomes twisted. Renewing the mind, in its simplest terms, is learning to see God as He is, a Loving Holy Father. Being adopted by God does not instantly heal a wounded soul. It gives a wounded child the ability to start the healing process, with God the Father leading the way through the Holy Spirit. Fellowship and worship will strengthen you during your journey. Just keep your eyes on God, for all men fall short.
You brought my inner parts into being; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will praise you, for You made me with fear and wonder; marvelous are Your works, and You know me completely. Psalm 139:13-14
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:73-74
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Each Child is Unique
A lady I met in jail and I attended the same church; Walking with God seemed effortless for her. I assumed we had the same struggles because we both had similar backgrounds. I remember repeatedly asking God why walking with Him seemed easy for others, but I constantly struggled. God rebuked me quickly, letting me know I needed to quit trying to manipulate Him and others. I didn’t even realize it was a severe issue. I asked God to show me when I was being manipulative, and boy, did the light come on. I began by asking others to forgive me whenever I caught myself trying to manipulate. It took some practice, but eventually, I was able to stop. I later found out the lady, and I did not have the same struggle. Her struggle was the love of money, and we attended a church that condoned that. Eventually, she got into even more trouble over money.
Give it time
Knowing the nature of God needs to grow from an unsteady, shaky mind knowledge to a deep, indwelling heart knowledge. All Christians can benefit from renewing the mind, but for those of us from damaged families, it is a necessity of survival. Developing a relationship with God will take time and dedication. Remember, babies do not come out of the womb walking. Being adopted in Christ is a daily battle with our full-grown worldly flesh. Honesty and a great deal of humility are needed as our relationship with God develops. But remember, even when we stumble because of our older brother Jesus, we have a straight A report card.
I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2
In the bible is speak of fruits of the spirit and the works of the flesh. Even though these are spiritual principals the analogy used is a fruit trees. So I wanted to provide a little insight concerning fruit tree’s and the fruit they produce.
Facts:
Fruit trees purchased from nurseries and garden centers are usually 1- to 2-year-old plants. The length of time from planting to fruit bearing varies with the species of fruit, the cultivar, and whether the tree is dwarf or standard. The average bearing age of fruit trees is as follows; apple – 4 to 5 years, sour or tart cherry – 3 to 5 years, pear – 4 to 6 years, and plum – 3 to 5 years.
Richard Jauron, Iowa State University
Spiritual Fruit and Fleshly Works I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. These are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are revealed, which are these: adultery, sexual immorality, impurity, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, rage, selfishness, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I previously warned you, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control; against such there is no law. Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be conceited, provoking one another and envying one another. Galatians 5:16-26