Renewing the Mind

Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

We can either conform to the world or be transformed. How are we conformed to this world?

Conforming to the world is pretty easy. We do not have to work hard at having carnal minds since we are born with them. The world does a pretty good job, along with our DNA at conforming us to its standards. Conforming to this world is as simple as jumping in a raft and floating down the river.

The mind is an amazing thing. Each of our minds are the same but also different. The mind contains our personality, memory, fleshly desire, ambition, fear, identity, confidence or lack thereof, attitude and so much more as well as common functions of the brain.

The human mind at its best has accomplished much and at its worst, destroyed much. Why should we be concerned with transforming our minds? Why not enjoy the natural mind and go with the worldly flow of the river currents?

Romans 8:7
because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able {to do so,}

Gal 5:17
For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

Also note in Romans 12:2: it says we are transformed so we can prove the will of God. The opposite is also true, if we are not transformed, we do not prove the will of God. By proving the will of God, we learn that His will is always best, much better than our will.

Galatians 5:17 says our flesh is in opposition to God and does not want to please God. It is actually at war with the Spirit living in us. The flesh is not able to do the will of God. What are we to do? We are transformed by the renewing of the mind. As the renewing occurs the will of God is done in our lives. Renewing is a crucial aspect of our Christian walk and growth. Of course, God understands this dynamic and wants to lead us in the renewing process.

Eph 4:23
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

This is the part of the mind that contains the capacity for spiritual truth and the faculty of perceiving things: recognizing good from evil. He is constantly revealing new truths in His word, showing us His glory and grace, illuminating the light vs dark and good vs evil in our daily walk.

2 Cor 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

The renewed used in this 2 Cor scripture is one of new strength and life. We are receiving new life each day, even though our bodies grow older.

He will lead us through His indwelling Spirit in setting our minds on Him, on things above with renewing thoughts and activities. He wants to lead us into His presence that we might learn to enjoy and trust in the reality of our oneness with Him. During these times of basking in the refreshing of His presence, a transformation takes place as new strength and life are imparted each day.