Do you desire change in your life and circumstances? If so, there is a place to start and that is within you. A change within you will give rise to change outside you. As such, your tomorrow depends on your thought patterns. This article emphasizes the need for renewal of the spirit for a better life experience.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law - Galatians 5:19-23 (NKJV)

The battles of life are won or lost within. Your thoughts concerning God, your neighbour, community, business, finance, health, success and life generally determine what happens around you and how you respond to it. You are a product of your thoughts. Proverbs 23:7 says that as a man thinks in his heart so is he. However, you need the right spirit within you to order your thoughts aright.

Galatians 5:19-23 list the manifestations of both the flesh and of the Spirit. A close study of it shows that when you have the Spirit of God in charge of your thoughts you won't manifest the works of the flesh. The question then is "do you manifest the fruit of the Spirit in your life?" The fruit of the Spirit will not allow the flesh to manifest its evil acts. Jesus Christ admonished the Pharisees to first cleanse within the cup and platter, so that the outside of them may also be clean - Matthew 23:26. In essence, we should cleanse within us so that our outside will be clean also.

The right spirit will give rise to the right thoughts, which will ultimately determine your words and actions - the very pillars of your life and destiny. You will find yourself thinking only on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and on things that have virtue and are praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). These attract God's goodness and divine helps to you. David had the right spirit within him and he was marvelously helped by God (1 Chronicles 14:9-17). The scriptures in 1 Samuel 26:7-12, recorded that he wouldn't touch Saul that was chasing him to kill him, even when he had the opportunity to do so. He had the right spirit.

Paul's encounter with Christ brought about a change within him, which culminated into a changed mission and life. His spirit was renewed, his thoughts changed and he grew to be a great vessel in the hands of God Almighty. He was a thorn to the early church but his encounter with Jesus changed him within resulting in a change outside (Acts 9:1-22).

In conclusion, any change you desire in life is possible if you will decide to change within. Let your spirit be renewed by the Holy Spirit and He will order your thoughts aright, giving rise to your desired change outside. Ask God to renew your spirit within you and cause the fruit of the Spirit to be made manifest in your life today.

Ngozi Nwoke is a teacher, speaker, counselor and author of "Peace Money Can't Buy" and "The Man Jesus: What You Need to Know About Christ". She has a passion to teach people how to enjoy peace, God's love, and Christian living for a more fulfilling life. Want a more fulfilling life?