Renewing the Mind

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“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NASB

     Anyone else wonder, how do we ensure that we’re changing? How do we know that we are living up to that spiritual service of worship and are not putting the yoke of bondage back on ourselves? Romans 12:2 is a great example of what we are to do! In the first part of the verse Paul instructs us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed in the renewing of our minds. On the surface, that makes sense. Don’t be like the mainstream. Don’t give in to what the world tells us is right when we know in our hearts that it’s jacked up. Be transformed in our thoughts, the way we think, the way we perceive the world. Makes sense, right?

     When I read Romans 12:2 it makes me look at my life. I think we all can get caught up in the times and the world we live in. We become distracted by the trends, the philosophies, politics, and the new upgrades we can make to our lives. However, as Believers, we are called not to be conformed to the patterns of this world. I am not saying not to enjoy a haircut that is in style. I have worn the pompadour. I am not saying don’t enjoy that new iPhone. I got an iPhone Seven not too long after they came out. I think that it’s ok for us as believers to live in the age we are in. However, the Gospel, the Living Word of God, both Jesus Christ and the Holy Scriptures, should be what we conform to and shape our lives around. Everything else is an accessory to the age we are in and will pass away just as Atari, Betamax, Mullets and Shell-Suits did.

     For some of us, the word transform conjures up images of a semi-truck turning into Optimus Prime. For others, you may be surprised but I read Romans 12:2 and it is hard for me not to say: “this isn’t even my final form.” Which, I know, making a Dragon Ball Z reference might have some screaming ‘conformity’ to pop culture. But, if you think about Frieza and Goku, aren’t we all trying to get spiritually fit to reach our final form in the image of Christ?
    
     Whatever your stance is there, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Renewing and renovating are really the same thing in this Scripture. I think we all know someone who has had renovations done to their homes or perhaps we’ve done renovations ourselves. Renovating is no small matter. It requires all the old stuff, the dated countertops of our mental habits, and the gold-bronze fixtures of our preconceived notions to be ripped out and thrown in the dumpster so the new stuff can be brought in. We are to do this with our minds, our feelings, our purposes and our desires to prove what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable and perfect…not to the world…it’s ages, trends and patterns…but to God!

     There is only one way for us to do that, my Friends. We must spend time in His Word, in prayer and in fellowship with other believers. We must make Him, and the Living Word, a primary focus! That is how we renew our minds God’s way. Through His Word! Are we spending enough time in the Scriptures? Are we spending enough time in prayer and among believers who study the Word of God?

Until Next Time,

God Bless

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