Renewing your Mind
Good morning brethren, I like to write on the biblical verse “Renewing your mind” (Romans 12:2). The verse reads “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” In this verse Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Rome, urging them not to be conformed to the world but to be transformed. Let me quickly add that transformation begins with your mind, hence if you want to change your life then you must first change your thinking. Proverbs 23:7 says“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” know this that what you think about has the ability to shapes what you become. In this verse, the “world” can mean a person’s mindset and values that ignores God. The world promotes self, lust, greed, pride (1 John 2:15-17). A biblical example of one who conformed to this world was Lot’s wife, she disobeyed God by looking back at Sodom and her end was destruction (Genesis 19:26).
“Transformation” refers to a complete inner change. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here!” As believers we can renew our mind through God’s word, the Psalmist says in Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” We can renew our mind through prayer and worship, because prayer brings alignment with God’s will, while worship refocuses our mind on God’s greatness. Apostle Paul admonished believers to reject anxiety, pray about everything, and think on what is true, noble, right, and pure (Philippians 4:6-8). And of course we can renew our mind by the Power of the Holy Spirit, this is because the Spirit helps us discern truth and walk in it. Titus 3:5 says “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” The result of not confirming to the pattern of this world and renewing of our mind will enable us to be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will. Please know this secret that a renewed mind gives clarity and sensitivity to God’s direction. Unlike many who are struggling in the place of knowing God’s will because they have allowed the world to shape their thinking. We read about Daniel how he purposed in his heart not to defile himself with Babylonian culture (Daniel 1:8). His renewed mind allowed him to walk in God’s will not withstanding being in a pagan’s environment. It is often said that someone’s life may never rise above the level of their thinking, but when their minds are renewed, then their lives will be transformed. In conclusion learn to start your day in the Word, take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), speak words over yourself, surround yourself with other believers (Proverbs 27:17), be careful what you feed your mind with.
Finally, let this verse be our daily prayer “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). May the Lord truly hear our prayers in Jesus name! Service is for 10.30am and workers meeting is for 10am. God’s blessings - Mike