Renewing the Mind
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by *the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes]* , so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Romans 12:2 AMP
Introduction
The book* Battlefield of the mind* by Joyce Meyer emphasizes how changing your thinking or the thought of your mind affects your way of living life as a believer. The Mind is a battlefield where all the wars of life are fought, it could be anxiety, pressure, uncertainty, fear and others of any form. The Bible admonishes us to renew our mind, it specifically says the renewing of your mind. What does this really imply?
Renewing is a continuous tense which tells us the frequency of the verb to renew, it’s NOT a one day or a week thing or a two years thing, it has no end until we meet our LORD master Jesus Christ. What I mean is the renewing of one’s mind is an action that is repeated daily. To renew simply means to make new, to restore, to refresh, to rejuvenate. The mind is the faculty of our being(soul) that’s influenced by the input that comes to it through our sense from sight, hearing, touch or feel or smell.
The main scripture for today’s discussion helps and guards us as believers in how to live this life though we may exist in this world for just while till we meet our LORD and friend one day. In the world we live in where everything moves in a way that is in contrary to what the word of GOD stands for, we constantly need to be exposed to and allow ourselves to be influenced by the precepts of GOD. 1 Peter 2:9, mentions our position in this world, to fulfill the purpose HE our GOD has called us for it is necessary that we turn to the word of GOD for daily restoration of our mind and as the Bible makes us understand there is transformation that is seen in a man who renews the mind with the word. There’s a change that happens when we are exposed to the word of GOD by either listening, reading or meditating on it.
Hebrews 4:12, depicts the impact of the word, how it is able to be the judge of our heart and intention. Renewing of the mind is a requirement for a progressively Christ-influenced life. For if we are called to be like HIM we must constantly draw from the source of life and the word is where to begin from. Thick of the word of GOD ha the foundation upon which the Holy Spirit is able to directly guard our lives because we are ready to listen and obey. Most say, I read but I do not understand, the bare minimum is reading the word and the Holy Spirit who is the teacher will teach so do not give up. Feed that Spirit man with the Word DAILY.
As physical food is to the flesh, the word Of GOD is to the Spirit. It is one of two things, if you are not renewing your mind with the Word, you are conforming to the world and it may not show up immediately, it is gradual, eventually you find yourself conformed through your actions and your thoughts. Galatians 6:7b, whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. Simply put garbage in garbage out. Word of GOD In Word of God out.
Main Scriptures
Romans 12:2, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Peter 2:9
Questions
- How do you understand GALATIONS 6:7?
- Read Romans 12:1-4, what do you understand from it
- According to scripture, how does renewing your mind affect you?
- Can one who has been fully conformed to the world, renew their mind with the word of GOD?
- Which characters in the Bible had their lives changed because they put ROMANS 12:2 to practice?