The Renewing Of The Mind
“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” (Romans 12:2).
Christianity is a way of life that is opposed to the ways of this world. Personal transformation and change in the attitude of people always start with a change in their thinking patterns and thoughts. Becoming a born-again Christian doesn’t automatically mean there has been a complete, overnight change in the person. God’s intention is to change our mentalities, stereotypes, mindsets and patterns from a worldly perspective to His own perspective. The rate at which an individual Christian changes is a function of his or her cooperation with God in the process of mind renewal. To renew means to make new or to renovate. Below are vital truths about RENEW:
Renew the mind: The mind functions as an umpire between the spirit and the flesh or human nature. It decides which direction to take. It makes the decision between choosing the higher way of the spirit or the lesser way of the flesh. Any way this pendulum swings determines our outcome or action. The Bible says we should put off our old nature and take on the new man which is created in true holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). It is every Christian’s personal responsibility to do this.
Enlist inspired thoughts: The Bible is God’s inspired book (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible carries God’s breath. It isn’t a mere or ordinary book. Therefore, by consciously imbibing the Word of God, (for purposes of instruction, reproofing, encouraging and correcting) you are allowing divine thoughts that carries great potential to impact supernatural qualities on you. It was an inspired divine thought which Jacob had through a dream that made him wealthy in a very short time (Genesis 30). We enlist inspired thoughts by Bible meditation and prayers.
Negate and shut down wrong thoughts: The mind is the battlefield. The Holy Spirit seeks control of our minds and Satan seeks same. As Christians, we have the power to control our minds and thinking. We own our minds just like we own our hands and eyes and ears. Whatever thing we own, we have control over. We should never give our minds over to thrash and seductive information which demonic entities always peddle to us. We are not to entertain evil thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5). To entertain someone is to invite the person over into your house, feed the person, and keep the person comfortable in house. Every time we entertain an evil thought, that’s what we do. And there is always a heavy price to pay for such accommodation and entertainment.
Elevate your thinking: “Brothers do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20, ESV). Spiritual maturity results from mature thinking. To elevate one’s thinking, one has to expose the mind to superior and quality thoughts. God’s thoughts are superior thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Gideon’s thought of himself was transformed from that of a weakling to a mighty man of valor when he was exposed to quality thinking. Also, Abraham transitioned into a model of great faith when he was exposed to quality thinking. As the quality of our thoughts improves, so does the quality of our lives (Proverbs 23:7). What information do you regularly expose your mind to?
Wash with the blood: Renewing the mind is to regularly have our minds cleansed. We take time daily to wash our bodies, cars, etc but hardly do some people take time to cater for their most vital part i.e. the inner man. God made provision of the blood of Jesus to cleanse our consciences from guilt and feelings of insufficiency, so that we can approach Him and fellowship with Him (Hebrews 10: 19-22). Regularly avail yourself of this provision by having a mentality of access to God which the blood of Jesus had provided for us.
CONCLUSION: To repent is to change one’s way of thinking, and hence one’s direction in life. Have you repented by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus? Have you repented from dead works? Renewal of the mind is only perfected when genuine repentance is in place.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com