S17P3 – When Jesus walked in: a mind renewed

Rom. 12:2
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.

When Jesus enters our lives, all things change. One of the most impactful changes is our perspective. Before Christ, we are under the world’s influence. In this verse, we are instructed not to be conformed to the pattern of this world. This pattern is a perspective, a way of thinking. How do we know this is true? Well, the thing we are told to do in order to stay free from conforming to the world’s pattern is to renew our minds. It is in the realm of thought, our mental capacity, that we allow ourselves to be conformed instead to the pattern of God’s Spirit.

While we may find it easy to consider the spiritual change of salvation to impact the heart, we may not always remember that this also impacts the mind. In fact, it is in the mind that many of our spiritual battles are won or lost. The importance of having a mind that is conformed to God’s Spirit is underscored by what we are told is the result of doing this. If we allow our minds to change in this way, we will come to know the will of God. This is a promise. When we renew our minds according to the Spirit, God’s will is revealed and known.

When we allow our minds to remain conformed to the pattern of this world, we remain oblivious to God’s will. We walk in confusion, not knowing where our Father wants us to step next. This is because a renewed heart is only part of the change necessary to live a life dedicated to and successfully following God’s purpose. In order to know the will of God, our minds must be renewed as well. Father, give us the wisdom and humility to surrender our minds to You, desiring that they be conformed to your Spirit, thirsting for the knowledge of your will.