I became a Jesus follower in my mid-20s, and have spent much of my life since sharing his life-transforming message. And yet some old patterns of thinking and behaving, some of the old person, persisted. It was as if I were using two conflicting operating systems. Not surprisingly, this caused frequent “crashes!”
“Kindle afresh the gift of God that is in you.” ~2 Timothy 1:6
So, almost ten years ago, I abandoned the old operating system and recommited myself to relying exclusively on the new one. But I couldn’t accomplish this on my own.
Hungry for consistent functionality, I began downloading “apps”—memorizing, meditating upon and praying Scriptures—words I’d read and appreciated in the past but hadn’t fully lived by. For the first time, God’s way of thinking and doing—interfacing with that new person operating system—began to be my way of thinking and doing.
“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given to do, and then sink yourself into that.” ~Galatians 6:4
The process of becoming a new me isn’t complete. Neither have I finished “the work I have been given to do.” But the change has been palpable, powerful, and more transformative than anything I’ve ever experienced, apart from that original new person download.
I welcome this new year, anticipating new apps and new upgrades, and am excited to see what new things my Creator has in store! If you haven’t already, I invite you to join me in welcoming not only a new year, but…
A new you!
“Beloved, we are God’s children, and what we will be has not yet been fully revealed. But we know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” ~1 John 3:2
Mitch Teemley 
Thank you very much for sharing such a blessed testimony which resonates. Wish you a prosperous new year. 💐🥰😊🙏✨
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Thank you, Ashis, you too.
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I became one at 45 so I started late…10 years ago.
Have a Happy New Year Mitch!
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So glad to hear that, Max, and Happy New Year to you!
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Very effective use of extended metaphor!
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Thank you, Liz!
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You’re welcome, Mitch!
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Finding our “new you” takes a lifetime. I think that’s why I’m still walking around. I’m not done yet.
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It does indeed, Kathy.
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HaPpY nEw YeAr, Mitch! 🥳
❤️&🙏, c.a.
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You too, C.A.!
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Happy New Year, Mitch. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy New Year.
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Thank you, Carla, wishing the same for you and yours.
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Mitch, thank you for sharing, this speaks right to my heart. I believe you are describing a process that I am currently right in the middle of.
If I might get personal for a moment, I had a spiritual awakening nearly 6 years ago, and for a time I had an entirely new life. Of late, though, it’s started to feel more like the old life intermingled with the new. I’m still happier than I used to be, but I’m yearning to hit my second wind.
I still don’t have everything figured out here, but it’s encouraging to hear I’m not the only one to walk this path. I’m starting to realize that most great stories of redemption get a sequel.
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I suspect you’re right, Abe. Blessings beyond what you even dare to hope for, my friend.
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This is very clear, and that is genius–God’s spirit speaking through you. Thank you!
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So glad it spoke to you, Katie!
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Happy New Year to you and yours Mitch 🥳 – The process of becoming a new me isn’t complete is something we should all be grappling with, as He continually reveals more and more as we walk our journey of faith with Him. 🙂
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Indeed, and Happy New Year to you, Perry.
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Happy New Year, Mitch! I enjoyed your technological metaphor. My “app” this past year was memorizing Matthew 4:23-5:17, the Beatitudes and their immediate context. Meditating on those verses frequently helped me gain perspective on direction as a disciple of Jesus.
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Go, Michael! And a Happy New Year to you, as well.
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Happy New Year, Mitch, to you and yours! Keep working on downloading those upgrades–as we all must do! God bless!
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Thanks, Nancy, you too!
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Powerfully expressed, and so very helpful. Thank you, Mitch.
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My privilege, Joy.
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You are my brother. Happy New Year ❤
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Aw, bless you, sis. And Happy New Year to you.
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Happy New Year! Have a Blessed 2023! 😇❤️🙏
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Thank you, you too, Joe!
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I thank you and I thank God for this very inspiring post.
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My privilege, Nancy.
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Love this, Mitch! I found when I needed a new man (woman 😊) to emerge, there was no substitute for the things you mentioned… Memorizing, meditating, and praying the scripture. I can so relate to your experience, and loved reading about it!
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And we are not alone, Kendra. Blessings.
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Happy New Year, Mitch.
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Thanks, Gary.
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Well said! Happy new… you!
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Thank you, Warren!
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You’re welcome!
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Well said, Mitch! All the best to you and yours for 2023! Bruce (aka WOTC)
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Thank you. You too, Bruce!
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Mitch, all of us are grateful for the process of your becoming the new you. And all of us who trust in the Lord are with you on that wonderful, albeit sometimes painful, journey.
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