Renew Your Mind
“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.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Our Lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. What we think shapes who we are.” – Pastor Craig Groeschel
Our minds are the gateways to our emotions, decisions, and how we see the world around us. The lies we believe and the assumptions we cling to can alter the life we make for ourselves.
It doesn’t have to be that way! With God’s help we can transform our thoughts and the deceptions holding us captive. We can end the negative and vicious thought patterns affecting not only us but others as well.
You may say to yourself, “I don’t really have these negative or damaging thoughts so I can’t really relate.”
The truth is, we hear and see things all the time that attempt to influence the way we view ourselves. Social media and advertising constantly tell us we don’t have enough, or aren’t young enough, or aren’t rich enough. We also have an ever-present enemy who whispers in our minds that we’ll never be good enough, or that we’ll never accomplish anything.
There is hope! As Christians we must trust that God through His incredible love gives us the ability to renew our minds to the truth of how He sees us. The truth of who we really are. Through the Holy Spirit and His word, God longs to speak the truth of our identity!
Three Things We Can Do
How do we reach a place of comfort in allowing God to change our hearts and renew our minds?
First, spend time in scripture to open your mind and your heart. Isaiah 35:5 teaches us that “the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped,” when God comes on our behalf. Take solace that we can turn to God’s Holy Word to find truth.
Second, listen to the Holy Spirit while you’re reading the Bible and it will come alive. In John 16:13, Jesus told his disciples “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” The truth is that the Bible is the only book we can read year after year and not get bored with it because we have the opportunity to speak to its author every time we study its words.
Third, live in obedience to God’s word. The prophet Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 1:18-19 “Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” This may be the hardest one to do consistently because we are human and susceptible to our own selfish needs and desires. However, when we choose to believe in God’s word and live by it, we experience a transformation not only in your mind but in our lives!
In the video below, Pastor Craig Groeschel reminds us that our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. What comes into our mind comes out in our life. We cannot have a positive life when we have a negative mind. What do we do? Capture the lies!
Remember that God is here, ever faithful, waiting patiently for us to turn our hearts to His will. When we do that, He will renew our minds and change our lives in ways we can’t imagine.
May God continuously lead your path.