Expressions of faith
Unity of spirit – process of change

Bishop-Elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr.

“Put off concerning the former conversation of the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” Ephesians 4:22-32.

What is in your life right now that you desire to let go and leave behind? I’m speaking of totally removing it, so you can move forward in your new life. How do we go about doing this without looking back?

In the releasing of today’s word, Paul tells the Ephesians to leave behind the old life and commit [follow through] to the new life you have in Christ Jesus. Living the Christian life is a process and a commitment we must make if we are going to see different results.

The Apostle knows for himself that living for Christ is a process, because he was a persecutor of the church at one point in his life when he was Saul. But God showed him the new light [bright light], the symbol of holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope, commitment. God’s revelation was upon him. This is how He changed Saul and took him through a process with Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report (Acts 22:1-16).

So as Paul, he now knows first hand that it is a process and a commitment we must make if we are going to see different results.

In this life you have to want to change. You must want to be different and desire new and better results for your new life. As a new person in Christ you have to listen to what the Spirit is saying to you. It is the Holy Spirit that will keep you and guide you into all truth (John 16:13).

Let the Holy Spirit give you good thoughts and attitudes. They are automatically given to you when you become a new person in Christ. The change process comes about as the more we trust God to change us. What steps must we take in the change process?

The mistake we make is we don’t associate these changes with our new life in Christ.

You have heard about Christ and were taught by Him. The truth is in Jesus. So take off your former ways of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds to put on the new self [life]—the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth. Therefore, put away lying, and speak the truth to one another.

If you get angry, don’t sin. Go to God for help. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger/wrath.

Don’t ruin your entire day with anger by being upset and mad. Go to God and ask for help and assistance. Don’t give the devil an opportunity to ruin your day.

Today I’m going through the change process and becoming a new man or woman in Christ!

Metro report highlights affordability gap for African Americans in Nashville

A new Metro Social Services report finds African Americans in Nashville face higher poverty, housing cost burdens, and shorter life expectancy despite the city’s strong

Trump’s mail-in voting executive order faces legal challenges

Civil rights groups, state leaders, and attorneys general are suing to block Trump’s mail-in voting executive order, arguing it threatens voter access and state election

Black Press continues legacy of advocacy and truth-telling as it nears 200 years

As the Black Press nears 200 years, Black-owned newspapers still champion truth-telling, advocacy, and community storytelling from Freedom’s Journal to today’s Black Press Sunday.

“Earthrise,” “Earth Day” and “Earthset”

From Apollo 8’s iconic “Earthrise” to Artemis II’s new “Earthset,” this Earth Day reflections piece links space images, climate change, and Nashville Earth Day 2026.

What to do when inheriting a house that is paid off

Inheriting a house that is paid off gives you instant equity, but your next steps—legal transfer, repairs, and whether to sell, keep, or rent—determine its