By Rae Lynn DeAngelis

A computer is a complex piece of machinery, yet if you know the proper language and keystrokes, one can manipulate technology with relative ease. My husband is what you might call a “computer geek”. He knows more about computers than the average Joe.  When my laptop becomes a little sluggish and no longer performs at the level I need, I call on him for help.

Oftentimes the culprit for slowing down my computer is all the needless junk or corrupted data I’ve download into my system over time. In order to fix my PC, my husband must first spend some time diagnosing the problem. With a proper diagnosis in place, he is able find the corrupted files and get my computer up and running smoothly again.

Changing unwanted patterns of behavior is a little more complicated than tapping out commands across a keyboard; however, I do believe there are some parallels we make from the analogy.

When we first begin to notice unwelcome behavior patterns in our lives, we need to carefully determine what might be causing us to react unfavorably?  Behavior patterns (positive or negative) are first born in the mind. How we process any incoming data and what we believe about that information will greatly impact our actions. The mind is a powerful command center. If we want to impact change in our behavior, we must first transform our minds.

How do we do that?

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

We need to reprogram our thoughts so they are in line with Christ.  One of the ways we can reprogram our thoughts is through daily meditation of God’s Word. As God’s Word permeates our hearts and minds, unwanted thought patterns and behaviors gradually filter out.

Another way we can reprogram our thoughts is by clothing ourselves with Christ, learning all we can about Jesus and doing our best to emulate his example.

“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:14)

As we clothe ourselves with Christ, we begin to see the world through God’s eyes. Our worldly thoughts and behaviors morph into Christ-centered thoughts and behaviors. The Holy Spirit brings about this restoration; it is not something we can accomplish on our own.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

Don’t allow the world’s corrupted data to contaminate thoughts and actions any longer. Take every thought captive, clothe yourself with Christ, and view everything against the backdrop of God’s Truth.