Change the Way You Think

Change the Way You Think: Renewing Your Mind

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. Romans 12:2 NIV

I want to fulfill God’s plan and purpose for my life. I desire to please Him and to be a fruitful ambassador for Christ. But how can I live out God’s will for my life without defaulting to my preconceived thought patterns, attitudes, and actions?

In Romans 12:2, Apostle Paul instructs us as followers of Jesus Christ not to adopt and be at ease with this world’s way of perceiving and doing things. Instead, we should change our thoughts and attitudes to align with the Word of God so that we can be transformed into the image of Christ.

We are three-part beings – spirit beings who have souls and live in physical bodies. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Corinthians 5:8-9; James 2:26.)

Our spirit is made perfect and complete at the new birth. Our soul (mind, will, and emotions), however, does not get born again. We don’t receive a new mind at the new birth. Christ died on the cross for our sins, and we received an awesome salvation package at the new birth. However, our victory as Christians here on earth partly depends on whether we allow the power of the Word to transform us through the help of the Holy Spirit.

What Does it Mean to “Renew the Mind?”

Renewing the mind is the process of putting on the mind of Christ and unlearning the natural, self-focused, world-driven ways in which we were previously conditioned. It involves changing the way we think by putting off our former mind habits and putting on the holy character of Christ marked by fruitfulness.

^“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

It is only when we commit to focusing on and meditating on God’s Word that we can grow spiritually to a mature state where we will be able to discern God’s will for our lives. Our minds and thoughts will no longer be clouded and confused by the distractions and negativity of this world. We will have the spiritual and mental clarity to know the will of God for our lives because when we focus on the Word, we are in close fellowship with the Holy Spirit, who knows all things.

We do not have to stay trapped in negative, defeating thought patterns. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Comforter. He is committed to helping us change the way we think and act as we yield ourselves entirely to Him.

What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:12 NIV

Reflect

How have you committed to renewing your mind and growing more spiritually mature?

Prayer

Father, I thank You for providing the blueprint for me to discern Your will for my life. I ask that You forgive me for all the times I have gone my own way. I surrender my life completely to You. Today, I am asking You to give me an unquenchable desire to study, meditate on, and obey Your Word.

Refine and transform me from the inside out. Help me to change the way I think and act to align with Your Word so that I become the person You created me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Footnote

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

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