Hey Centennial,
What have your voices been saying to you lately?
That’s the question we asked last Sunday, and we’re continuing the conversation this week. The truth is, we all have an inner voice. It speaks to us almost constantly—sometimes kind, sometimes cruel. And when it’s cruel, we call it the inner critic. It gives the worst possible interpretation and offers the sharpest possible rebuke, especially when things go wrong. Its voice is powerful in many ways.
The inner critic doesn’t hurt only you—it can hurt your relationships, too.
Imagine this: What if that voice grew quiet? What if, over time, you developed such deep confidence in God’s mercy, such clarity in who you are in Christ, that the critic lost its grip?
What if the inner critic no longer shapes the way you see yourself—or the people around you?
That’s the vision Paul gives us in Romans 12:1–2. It’s not just about positive thinking—it’s about the renewing of your mind, a total renovation of how you think, feel, and live. And that kind of transformation? It’s possible. When God’s Spirit goes to work renewing our minds, it changes everything. Change is possible in your own thoughts and emotions. It’s possible in your relationships. It’s possible in the lives of those around you. Renewed minds lead to healed relationships. That’s what happens when we put God’s grace first—we resist the voices of judgment and shame, and we make space for transformation.
This is a great week to invite a friend, neighbor, or coworker to come sit with you at church. Everyone wrestles with the voice of the inner critic. Everyone longs for a little more peace, a little more clarity, and a little more grace. So why not invite someone to take a step toward healing with you? Say the words that just might change their week:
“Come sit with me.”
See you Sunday!
Grace and peace,
Karl
P.S. This weekend is Lee and Ellen Robinsons 50th wedding anniversary. Lee and Ellen have been part of CCC for many years, have blessed the lives of many, and now we get to celebrate them! You are invited to a reception in the cafe right after worship on Sunday.