…put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
At the age of 12, Alexis Noel Thompson did the unthinkable. She earned a spot in the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open. Many believed she was the next superstar in women’s professional golf. Were those prognosticators correct?
Lexi, as we know her, has had an incredible professional career. Her first LPGA victory was the 2011 Navistar LPGA Classic. She has won ten additional tournaments, including a major, the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship. Over her professional career, she earned a remarkable 14.6 million dollars.
She recently announced her retirement from professional golf and a full-time schedule. At 29, she’s ready for the next chapter of her life.
In the wonderful article written by Jessica Marksbury in Golf Magazine, Lexi was asked what most avid golf fans have been asking since she announced her plan in May 2024: Why would she walk away in the prime of her career with so much experience and talent?
In a genuine and transparent response, Lexi answered, “…a lot of people don’t see the lonely times – going through the airport alone, going to the hotel alone with four or five bags and performing, then being alone. Good or bad, you don’t have someone to share it with most of the time.” She’d go on to say, “…there’s more to life – having a family, getting to experience travel, getting to see places and enjoy life more.”
It takes a lot of courage to admit change is needed. Lexi has done this and set an example for us to recognize that we, too, must evaluate our lives to see if change is required.
In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul urges Christians to remember that they have been changed.
“…put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
We all need to evaluate our spiritual life regularly. Is there something that needs to change? Maybe you’d admit your old self has returned. Are you okay with your former life showing up? Hopefully not!
Paul tells the church in Rome to be transformed and not conform to the world and its lures (Romans 12:2). Renew your heart and mind through confession and repentance. Live your life again in the likeness of God’s righteousness and holiness (1 Peter 1:14-16).
Maybe you’d be bold enough to admit that you do not have a spiritual life. Your old self, as Paul describes, is your current self. Sin rules, and the pursuit of self-pleasure reigns your heart and mind. This type of life leads to unending sorrow (Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:16-17; Proverbs 14:12; Galatians 6:7-8).
But, God offers the way of redemption through His Son Jesus. Confess your sins, dear friend. Turn from your sinful lifestyle and look to Christ by faith for forgiveness (Ephesians 2:8; Acts 4:12).
Jesus said, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him (John 3:36, also Romans 2:4).
As we admit where we stand with God now, may we look to Christ and believe. Want to discover what it means to be forgiven of your sins? Please email me!
Gracious God, I admit that change is needed. Please help me be bold enough to reject conformity and embrace holiness.