A Season of Reset: Three areas to consider

A Season of Reset: Three areas to consider       


Have you said or heard the word, “reset” lately? 


With the beginning of the COVID19 Pandemic and the upending of our lives, many people have been talking about and anticipating the implementation of a reset in certain areas of their lives. For many, it has been in regard to family and the way they prioritize time. For some, it’s a forced reset because their means of earning a living has diminished or vanished.


Whether being affected by the pandemic, or more recently, civil unrest, I want to suggest three ways in which we can each benefit from a reset. 


A word used in the Bible that is comparable to reset is renew. It is described as “a combination of ana, ‘again,’ and kainos, ‘new.’ The word suggests a renovation, restoration, transformation, and a change of heart and life. In Romans 12:2, it indicates a complete change for the better, an adjustment of one’s moral and spiritual vision.” *


It says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 NKJV).


Then in Paul’s letter to Titus, we’re told of the Holy Spirit’s work in helping accomplish renewal. Holy Spirit is helping us reset our character. 


“but when goodness and lovingkindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:4-6 RSV).


When we believe and receive Jesus, we’re made new—we’re born-again. From time to time, even daily, we can do some soul-searching and consider how we’re doing in our walk with Christ. Occasionally, we may need a reset and renew our commitment to Him. We may even need to rededicate ourselves to Christ. 

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As we are on the cusp of reentering society, let us consider three ways we can reset our lives in order to live better on the other side of COVID19. In doing so, we can more closely experience the abundant life God wants for us.


Let’s reset: 


1. Our spiritual walk. In this season of quarantine, many people are interested in knowing God better and involving Him more in their lives. Please read Titus 2:11-3:8 or at least re-read verses 4-6, quoted above. Romans 12:1-2, (above), gives insight as well. 


We can ask ourselves and ask God, “What can I do to improve my relationship with my Creator?” Here are a few suggestions:


Let’s spend quality time, daily, in His Word and in prayer, and listen quietly to hear Him speak. He’ll probably not speak audibly but will speak into our spirits in a still small voice through an impression, instruction, or encouragement.

Involvement in a Bible study group, church fellowship, or both, either in person or online can give us sound teaching, encouragement, and fellowship.


2. Our priorities. A reset of our spiritual walk will set us up for realigning our priorities. 


It’s sad that, due to the pandemic, people are out of work. And it’s unfortunate that sports and extracurricular activities have been suspended on every level. But there has been a bright side to this situation. 


I’ve heard many people say that since they have more time at home, they’ve had additional family togetherness, time for exercise, pleasure reading, or Bible study. Some are doing things they’ve not had time for, like plant a garden and enjoy creative talents such as art, cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, woodworking, and so on. 


I recently hear a man say that after quarantine he and his wife plan to continue taking frequent walks together. Others are exercising on a regular basis and plan to continue in the future.   


It’s good to look on the bright side of a dark event. Taking time to prayerfully realign priorities is wise and can lead to a more joy-filled and meaningful life.

Regarding our use of time, the Bible says, “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise—sensible, intelligent people; making the most of the time—buying up each opportunity—because the days are evil! Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17 Amplified). 


3.Our finances. A thorough evaluation of and reset of finances is a good thing to do periodically. Currently, as many people have experienced a reduction or total loss of income a financial reset has dealt a harsh blow. 


No matter our level of income we can execute our financial life according to biblical teachings and we will be blessed in doing so. Resetting our spiritual walk and our priorities put us in position to reset our finances with godly wisdom.


Learning biblical principles on money and aligning our priorities with God’s Word and His character give guidelines that, when followed, produce financial security. In a nutshell, the Bible teaches that we should work and earn a living, give into God’s kingdom generously, and spend money wisely. Also, we’re to stay away from excessive credit. Proverbs 22:7b tells us that “the borrower is servant to the lender” (NKJV).  

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Jesus taught, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-20 NLJV).

As we reset our finances, we’re wise to follow the principles set up by God, being confident that He knows what’s best. 


So, have you been thinking about a reset of some kind? Please share your thoughts in a comment, especially if COVID19 has impacted your ideas on the subject.


May God bless you as you continue to navigate this strange season. If a reset of any kind is a part of your life, I pray you do so with God’s leading.
   

*Spirit Filled Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, “Word Wealth” at Titus 3:8, page 1863.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford