RENEW YOUR MIND
RENEW YOUR MIND
By Evangeline Unity Esaaba Folson
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man, the measure of faith.
To conform is to comply with rules, standards, or conventions. The word “transform” means to change completely or strikingly in appearance or nature. While “renew’ means to replace with a new item of the same kinds.
The three words above were defined to enhance the understanding of Romans 12:2. We are being asked not to comply with the rules and standards of the world as Christians. But to completely change our nature or character by replacing our mindset with the rules and standards of the bible.
Why do we have to renew our minds as Christians? We need to renew our minds because;
The standards of the world will destroy our faith
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11
Luke 8:22-25
God deserves that we obey His commandments
Deuteronomy 28:1-13
John 15:1-7
Without faith it is impossible to please God
Psalm 46:10
Hebrews 11:6
We have to be humble
2 Chronicles 7:14
1 Peter 5:6
The standards of the world will destroy our faith
Ecclesiastes 3:11 talks about the fact that there is time for everything. Things should not be done haphazardly or anyhow. Worldly standards say, if someone hits you, hit the person too. But biblical standards says in Luke 6:29 that.
If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.
These are only a few examples that show clearly that if you do not renew your mind and replace worldly standards with biblical standards you will destroy your faith.
Another example, this time from the old testament on there is a time for everything can be found in 1 Samuel 15:22. God wanted the prophet Samuel to make a sacrifice but King Saul got anxious and made the sacrifice before the prophet arrived. He was punished, was rejected as king
Luke 8:22-25 tells the story just by commanding it to stop. As a Christian your faith should be as strong as possible because of miracles like this in the bible. Even when everything is in confusion believe without any doubt that God will make a way. Renew your mind about what the lord says is Impossible Mathew 19:26 says with God all things are possible.
God desires that we obey his command
Deuteronomy 26:1-13 talks about all the blessings God will bestow on us when we obey his commandments in bible. Do not think that God s commandments are too difficult to follow if you carefully consider the commandment in Deuteronomy 5:6-21 and its equivalent in Mark 12:30-31, they are things which will keep us away from Crimes like, theft, adultery, murder etc. and prevent us from being on the wrong side of the law. Theft, adultery and murder are all crimes punishable by law. If you keep God’s commandment you will find favor with God as well as with man. Determine in your heart and pray for God to give you the grace and strength to obey his command.
In John 15:1-7, the apostle compares our relationships with God to that of a tree or vine and its virtual part. The vine which is been considered as God provides all the nutrients to the vanous parts of the tree including the branches. Without the vine, the branches will wither and not bear fruits. As a Christian if you “abide in God” obey his commandment then you will have all the need.
Without faith it is impossible to please God
psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the healing, I will be exalted in earth
As humans we usually feel or believe that when we worry or think about a problem, we can solve it ourselves. The verse above says we do not have to fret or worry (be still) God will resolve everything.
Replace the odd mentality or worrying about problems with a new renewed mind that God can and will resolve all issues, when we put all our trust in him.
Hebrews 11:6 says
Whoever comes to God, must believe that he is God (exist) and he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. (paraphrased)
The only way you can please God according to the verse above is to believe in His existence. When you have the right mindset, you will please God and he will greatly reward you.
We have to be humble
2 chronicle 7:14
If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sins and heal their lands. We should replace our old mindset with humility. God likes to deal with people who are humble and will allow him to guide and direct their lives as he desires.
In the old testament, when the people of Israel wanted to show God they have repented from their sins, they wore sack clothes and put ashes or dust all over their body, it was a sign of humility and repentance (Job 16:15)
Today, we do not have tom put on sack clothes, we can show our humility and repentance by fasting or depriving ourselves of certain things that gives us pleasure like food, entertainment, et.c.
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourself therefore, under Gods mighty hands that he may lift you up in due time.
Humility means the heart of God to work on our behalf. Let us learn to be humble and repentant whenever we come before God.
Conclusion
One of the keys to success in this life is to renew our minds, replace the old mindset that believes in the standards of the world and replace it with the standards and principles found in the bible.
References
2. Oxford English Mini-dictionary
