"It's Time to Purge Our Mindsets"
- Pastor Paulette Crawford
- Jan 11
- 4 min read
Okay, friends, here’s the message I feel called to share today: it’s time to purge our mindsets. That may sound simple, but it’s a profound and necessary step if we want to experience the fullness of God’s plan in our lives. Too often, we cling to outdated ways of thinking—thought patterns, habits, even long-held beliefs—that no longer serve us. And these things affect how we live today, how we interact with God, and how we respond to the world around us.
We all have rehearsed certain thought patterns for years. Sometimes they’re tied to trauma, disappointment, or pain we’ve carried for decades. And if we’re honest, these old ways of thinking can interrupt our peace, our kindness, and even the goodness that God has planted in us. But here’s the truth: the past cannot be changed, yet it continues to influence the present—unless we intentionally purge it.
What It Means to Purge
To purge is to get rid of things that no longer work. This can be harmful habits, outdated ideas, or even relationships that pull you away from who God wants you to be. Think about the times you’ve repeated the same mistake, knowing it wouldn’t work—why do we do that? Because our minds store “concrete” patterns that surface automatically. Purging is about breaking those patterns.
And yes, this may sound harsh: sometimes, purging involves letting go of people or things that are toxic. But it’s not about judgment—it’s about clearing the way for God to move in our lives. God has a plan for each of us, and rehearsing the past only blocks us from experiencing His present goodness.
Ask, Seek, Knock: A Continuous Journey
Matthew 7:7-8 tells us: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."
These are not one-time actions—they are ongoing and continuous. No matter your age, you are never too old to receive guidance, change your thinking, and align your life with God’s will.
Ask: to earnestly petition and appeal to God.
Seek: to strive, sometimes anxiously, to find God’s truth, even when life doesn’t make sense.
Knock: to persistently seek access to His wisdom, knowing that faith assures us the door will open.
Seeking God is a lifelong journey. You may not understand everything now—and some things may never make sense—but that’s okay. God’s answers are found not in circumstances, but in His character revealed through Christ. When we understand Christ, we begin to see our lives from a higher perspective, living out God’s love and purpose.
Living Out God’s Character
We are called not to argue, condemn, or point fingers at the world’s chaos. We are called to demonstrate Christ’s love. This is not about quoting scripture to prove a point—it’s about living it. Our actions, words, and attitudes are read by others; we are living epistles of God’s grace.
In today’s world, there’s so much confusion and hostility. But the church’s role is to stand firm in character, bringing restoration, healing, and kindness wherever we are. This is our higher call, far above the petty disputes or judgments of human opinion.
Renew Your Mind
Purging our mindset is about intentionally changing how we think. Colossians 3:2 reminds us: "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things."
Set your mind on heavenly things: Align your thoughts with God’s character.
Identify outdated beliefs: Look at what triggers your anger, hurt, or confusion. Ask yourself, “Why am I reacting this way?”
Allow God to change you: This is not a process you can do alone. Grace is required. The Holy Spirit works in us gently, transforming our thinking, our behavior, and our hearts.
Addictions, negative habits, or destructive patterns can only be overcome through God’s power and presence. Our part is to seek, ask, and knock, and then let Him do the work.
A Call to Action
Examine your mind. Identify the outdated, harmful patterns that no longer serve you. Decide today to:
Ask God for insight and help.
Seek His truth and guidance.
Knock persistently until you experience transformation.
Understand that life will bring challenges, disappointments, and situations that may not make sense. But if you live out your faith through Christlike actions, you will experience the goodness of God and grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
Closing Thought
Purging your mindset is not a one-time event—it’s a journey. It requires patience, prayer, and intentionality. But as we align our thoughts with God’s truth, we walk in liberty, grace, and purpose. We are not defined by the past or the failures of others; we are defined by the love and plan of God for our lives.
So today, let’s choose to let go of what no longer serves us. Let’s embrace God’s guidance, ask boldly, seek earnestly, and knock persistently. And as we do, we will see transformation—not just in ourselves, but in everyone we touch.







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