March 1, 2015 BE TRANSFORMED
Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. It is awesome to realize that we are not just improved, but actually transformed when our mind is renewed. The book shelves are lined with books that tell us we need to have “positive thinking” and companies pay big-bucks for “motivation speakers” that sell the employees on the benefits of positive thinking. After reading a book on positive thinking, or hearing a dynamic motivation speaker, one may have resolve to think positively, but normally the resolve wanes rapidly when reality sets in. In Romans 12:2, the subject goes far beyond positive thinking; it is talking about a renewal of our mind-not just an improved mind. A mind that is not “renewed”, leads to a life that conforms to this world. There is a “this” world and there is a “kingdom of God” world and the two or opposite. We have been made a part of God’s kingdom and we now have the ability to think in such a way that is in harmony with how God thinks. We must realize that we cannot merge the thinking of the world with the thinking of the Kingdom of God. How we think determines how we live-we are known by how we think. In Psalms 23:7 we read: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Only believers have the opportunity to have their minds renewed. Also, having our mind renewed is not a one- time deal, but a continual process- day by day. The message of “not being conformed to the world” has a strong appeal and certainly such a message sounds “spiritual.” Some have made it their major issue and commitment to “not conform to the world.” The good news for us is that when our mind is renewed, we will not be conformed to the world because our thinking will not lead to conformity with the world. If we get the thinking right-get it renewed-then our focus and direction in life will be right. When a believer’s thinking is not from a renewed mind, it leads to living according to the flesh. On the other hand, when our mind is renewed by the Spirit of God, we will then know or prove what the will of God is for us and we will discover that His will leads to that which is “good and acceptable and perfect.” There is no magic formula, but we get a renewed mind as we seek Him first, by becoming familiar with His word, as we choose His way over our way, by thinking and responding as God would, as we believe and obey what He says and by having a heart to know Him. Also, as we respond to just one thing God says to us, we will begin to hear God saying more and more to us and we will find ourselves looking forward to what God has to say. There is nothing greater that knowing God’s will for us and then living according to His will. God has a will and He wants us to know His will and live in His will because He alone is the source of life as it is intended to be. God has made us His people; He has given us new minds; and He invites us to be involved in His purposes in this world. It’s my prayer that each of us will continue to discover all that God has done and continues to do in the lives of those who have put their faith and hope and trust in Him.
1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excelliencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
1 Corinthians 3:16: “For who has known the mind of the Lord, that we should instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.”
Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Blessings,
Buddy
Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. It is awesome to realize that we are not just improved, but actually transformed when our mind is renewed. The book shelves are lined with books that tell us we need to have “positive thinking” and companies pay big-bucks for “motivation speakers” that sell the employees on the benefits of positive thinking. After reading a book on positive thinking, or hearing a dynamic motivation speaker, one may have resolve to think positively, but normally the resolve wanes rapidly when reality sets in. In Romans 12:2, the subject goes far beyond positive thinking; it is talking about a renewal of our mind-not just an improved mind. A mind that is not “renewed”, leads to a life that conforms to this world. There is a “this” world and there is a “kingdom of God” world and the two or opposite. We have been made a part of God’s kingdom and we now have the ability to think in such a way that is in harmony with how God thinks. We must realize that we cannot merge the thinking of the world with the thinking of the Kingdom of God. How we think determines how we live-we are known by how we think. In Psalms 23:7 we read: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Only believers have the opportunity to have their minds renewed. Also, having our mind renewed is not a one- time deal, but a continual process- day by day. The message of “not being conformed to the world” has a strong appeal and certainly such a message sounds “spiritual.” Some have made it their major issue and commitment to “not conform to the world.” The good news for us is that when our mind is renewed, we will not be conformed to the world because our thinking will not lead to conformity with the world. If we get the thinking right-get it renewed-then our focus and direction in life will be right. When a believer’s thinking is not from a renewed mind, it leads to living according to the flesh. On the other hand, when our mind is renewed by the Spirit of God, we will then know or prove what the will of God is for us and we will discover that His will leads to that which is “good and acceptable and perfect.” There is no magic formula, but we get a renewed mind as we seek Him first, by becoming familiar with His word, as we choose His way over our way, by thinking and responding as God would, as we believe and obey what He says and by having a heart to know Him. Also, as we respond to just one thing God says to us, we will begin to hear God saying more and more to us and we will find ourselves looking forward to what God has to say. There is nothing greater that knowing God’s will for us and then living according to His will. God has a will and He wants us to know His will and live in His will because He alone is the source of life as it is intended to be. God has made us His people; He has given us new minds; and He invites us to be involved in His purposes in this world. It’s my prayer that each of us will continue to discover all that God has done and continues to do in the lives of those who have put their faith and hope and trust in Him.
1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excelliencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
1 Corinthians 3:16: “For who has known the mind of the Lord, that we should instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.”
Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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