When it comes to renewing the mind, we usually start with Romans 12: 2, but let’s look at verse 1 first. Romans 12:1 (NKJV) reads:
I beseech (urge) you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,
which is your reasonable service (logical, makes sense, it’s the least you can do).
In this passage we are encouraged to present our bodies as a living sacrifice (placing the will of God first in our lives, letting go of want we want and surrendering everything to God). Then it says holy, acceptable to God meaning sanctified and set a part, approved by God and well pleasing to God.
Now, let’s read Romans 12:2 (NKJV):
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
There are three parts to unpack in this passage. First, it tells us not to be conformed to this world. That means we should not follow or conform to the pattern or ways of this world (this age, culture, society). We are not to bend or change the way we live, the way we think, the way we act to fit in and be like the world we live in. God wants us to live a life that’s pleasing to Him, not man. This means we cannot follow the crowd. We are to do what it says in Matt. 7:13-14:
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
The second part of Romans 12:2, says to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. We are to allow transformation to take place in our minds. Why must is take place in our minds? A lot happens in our minds, it is the place where we reason and understand. It is where we have the capacity to perceive spiritual truth and divine things, the higher powers of the soul rest in this place allowing us to recognize/discern goodness and evil. This is where our mode of thinking and judging happens. When the mind is transformed, there is a notable shift and it renews (repair, restore) and renovates (fix up, upgrade) our minds, which means our understanding and thinking is upgraded, elevated to another level. When this happens, we take on the mind of Christ and begin to function as God intended when he breathed the breath of life into Adam’s nostrils.
The third part of Romans 12:2, says when are transformed by the renewing of our minds, we will prove what is good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. Transformation brings us to a place where we can truly represent God and align with His perfect will (what He desires, living out His purposes and plans). When others see our lives, they can say and attest to the fact that our walk is genuine and that we are indeed a child of the Most High God.
How do you renew my mind? Renew your mind through meditation.
- When you meditate, you ponder, rehearse or think about something over and over. To renew our minds in accordance with scripture, we need to meditate on the word of God.
- Meditating scripture allows the word of God to penetrate our spirit and soul. The word of God renews our minds and transforms our lives.
- Whatever you meditate (think) on will become reality: thoughts start in the mind and are established in the heart, which influences the words we speak and our actions.
- According to Hebrews 4:12, the word of God is living, active and full of power. It is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces us to the very core of our being to discern the thoughts and intents of our heart.
- Joshua 1:8 tells us to meditate on the word: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. This passage says to meditate on the Word day and night, and do what it says. By doing this you will make your way prosperous and have good success. Have you ever thought about what might happen if you adhere to what this passage says: Meditate on scripture and obey the Word to thrive, increase, succeed and be accomplished. Are you desperate for change? Could it happen by allowing the Word of God to renew your mind and transform your life for the better?
People often talk to me about their issues and challenges they are facing. My response is usually sharing a Bible verse with them. I do this because I know that the Word of God has transforming power.
Let’s review another passage that speaks about meditation. This passage tells us exactly how we should focus our thoughts:
Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV) – Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Let’s unpack this passage. It’s telling us to meditate on things that are chaste, clean, innocent, righteous, acceptable and pleasing. In essence, we should focus on what’s moral, beneficial, and admirable. Things that are good, not evil or things that disturb or disrupt our peace. Remember, meditating is rehearsing and pondering on something over and over again. It will eventually land in your heart, and show up in the words that come out of your mouth and things you do.
Today, I challenge you to find a scripture to meditate on for the next 7 days. Read the passage several times a day and ponder each word in the passage (let is sink in). Also, ask God to give you revelation and show you how to apply the scripture to your life (read more than one translation if necessary). And when God speaks, be obedient. Joshua 1:8 says that you will prosper and have good success.
Once again, when your mind is renewed, your life is transformed, it’s changed, conversion takes place. Changes can make things better or worse. I submit to you that this type of change makes things better in every area of your life. It’s called Total Transformation – changing from the inside out to be who God called you to be and fulfill your destiny, which is your purpose.
Prayer:
Father, help us to present our bodies to You as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to You. Teach us how to live a life that is pleasing to You, a surrendered life. You know each and every one of us, bring each of us to that place in You where our minds are renewed. Let the fire of God fall and consume anything in us that’s not like God. Help us to focus and meditate on virtuous and praiseworthy things, righteous things. Bind us to Your word that we may submit to it and be prosperous and have good success. I cover our eye gates and ear gates in the blood of Jesus. Protect us from every form of evil and take us higher to elevate our thinking so that we may see and that we may know how to respond in any situation. We renounce everything that’s unclean and out of order and speak life into those situations that appear dead. We say come alive now in the name of Jesus. This is the day that chains break, and strongholds are destroyed (no more bondage, no more confusion). The people of God will function like God in word and in deed from this day forward in the name of Jesus.
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