Romans 12:2
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s Will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
[emphasis mine]
A key step in walking boldly as a Masterpiece child of God is having our minds renewed. This is often easier said than done, because in effect what is happening is an undoing of how we have been taught to think by the good or bad words, actions and deeds of others and ourselves. When we seek to have the mind of God we are in effect "washing our brains" by taking every thought captive to the mind of Christ and not entertaining the thoughts of the Devil, the flesh or the world. This does not mean we are to be robotic Christians that never disagree or have differing opinions; but are to be Christians who are in step and aligned with Father God. When you think right, you act right. Not that acting right will change how much God loves you one iota [In fact, He cannot love you any more or any less than He already does --> He just loves you perfectly]; but it can affect the intimacy and impact of your fellowship and relationship with Father God.
An unrenewed mind is a breeding ground for old fleshly habits to geminate, resurface and flourish; while a renewed mind is good soil where God's seed of renewal by Jesus is watered by His Holy Spirit to produce good fruit in us Believers. In our passage Paul is speaking to the Romans [both Jews and Gentiles] and encouraging them to walk uprightly as the regenerated people they became when they accepted Christ. God doesn't want them simply saved but transformed, body, spirit and mind. In doing so not only will they look like their Creator, but they will be aligned with His Will and in true worship to His goodness. When we operate with the mind of God two things happen: We don't focus on the broken world in which we live, and we operate in step with and focused on Him. The best part? His Will for us is good, pleasing and perfect! Doesn't thinking that cause you to act a different way? Like Christ, perhaps?
Renewing our mind is a daily intentional act. Do you remember those popular bracelets in the 80s and 90s that said WWJD "What Would Jesus Do"? While sometimes it doesn't seem that simple; it is that simple. Think, "What would Jesus do in this situation? Is it aligned with the Bible and who God says I am?" In essence we are seeking to 1. Remember who God says I am. 2. Love others like Christ 3. Respond like Christ. 4. Give of ourselves like Christ. 5. Love what He loves and hate what He hates. And in doing so we are looking more and more like our Creator everyday as we walk out our righteousness, not self-conscious but free in who God called us to be.
Remember, how last week I talked about ramping up weight loss by structured nutrition and exercise? What I didn't mention is that while pounds DO follow inches, sometimes our mindsets to maintain a successful weight loss don't. If you don't change your thinking, guess where you will end up? Right back in the same situation, attempting to make some "pounds" follow some "inches" over and over and over again. Versus letting God renew your mind by reminding you your body [including your mind] is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Then allowing His Holy Spirit to empower you to renew your mind to a better way that will honor Him and promote a healthier you.
This can apply to a variety of situations. New moms, it may take a minute to feel like you are no longer carrying a baby but are back to your pre baby weight and can shop non maternity wear again. Recent graduates, it may take you a beat to realize you don't have exams and term papers due! Parolees, it may take you a good second to operate like you are not in a cell. Formerly disabled individuals it will take consistency to remember that the wheelchair is no longer needed! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Fix your gaze on Jesus and think on these things as your mind is renewed: *TRUE * HONOROABLE * RIGHT * PURE * LOVELY * ADMIRABLE * EXCELLENT * WORTHY OF PRAISE*! God has a Will for you: It is good. It is pleasing. It is perfect. Amen.
Takeaways for you to remember:
#1. Renewed Thinking = Thinking like Father God by having the mind of Christ.
#2. Right actions follow right thinking.
#3. In line with God's thinking helps us be in line with His Will.
Yours in Christ!
Dr. Quahana
Want to enjoy some of the Scriptures inspiring this entry? [NLT version unless otherwise noted.]
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