THE REAL CROSSOVER

THE REAL CROSS OVER

“It is NOT the movement of the clock that produces the Newness of Life; it is the movement in your mind”. Bishop T. D. Jake

This quote from Bishop T.D. Jakes got me deep in thought and answered a question I had so often asked myself. What is the big deal about the clock moving from 23.59 on New Years’ eve to 00.00 on New Years’ day? The real crossover has nothing to do with that clock movement. It’s just as simple as that. For some, the clock has moved but nothing else will move. These are the ones who will carry on doing the same things they did last year and the years before  and will expect a change in results but nothing New will happen even though the clock has moved and it is a “New year.”

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines “Crossover” as “the process or result of changing from one activity or style to another.”

For some of us we have begun yet again the process of setting goals, making resolutions, making promises and then drawing road maps for the journey ahead; for 2018. That of course is a very good thing to do because it is only proper to take stock and know what you are taking with you into the New Year and what you might need to add, edit or delete as you go along. After all we have been told; “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?” Luke 14: 28 NLT    It is the right thing to do as we start another year. However, what we then do with all the stock taking, aims, aspirations and goals that we set is what will make the difference. Those of us who actually achieve and accomplish what we set out to do at the beginning of a year, know that it is so much more than what you have written down or mapped out. Writing down is excellent but you must run with it, act on it, stay committed to it and just do it; otherwise your writing is as good as a pretty painting on the wall.  “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead” James 2:26 KJV

For something New or different to happen in this New Year there must be a change. A change in our activities, a change in our thinking, a change in our thought processes, a change from one way of doing things to a better and more effective way, a change in our lifestyle. This is where the real crossover must take place before we begin to see the “Newness” made manifest.

The real crossover therefore happens when there is a shift in our minds and not when the clock strikes midnight on New Years’ eve. So I am asking us to pay more attention to what is going on in our minds this year. What we feed our minds with and what we allow to take root therein is very vital.  We ought to know that any real change happens first in the mind. For it is written “……..but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…….” Romans 12: 2 KJV Therefore let us start 2018 by renewing our minds. Let us be more honest and transparent in our dealings and our relationships; let us seek the good of those around us and stop plotting evil; let us truly love our neighbours as ourselves and not hesitate to lend helping hands; “….Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4: 8 KJV

Know in your mind beyond every doubt that God has your back and with Him all things are possible. Do not expect Him though, to go and bombard or harass people with your name for that job, that contract, that award, that position, that promotion, that scholarship, that admission. You must get up and step out in faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please him….” Hebrew 11: 6 KJV Write that proposal, submit that application, do that job with integrity, put in that bid, register for that course, study, work hard. Then “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 NLT

WELCOME TO 2018; LET THE CROSSOVER BEGIN IN YOUR MIND AND LET A HAPPY NEW YOU HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS©