Monday January 8, 2018
New Ways
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer 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.
God calls us to transformation; to newness. To be truly transformed, we must first be renewed in our minds. True positive change in most areas of our lives must begin with a change in our thinking and in our perception. Until we open up our minds to renewal, we really have no choice but to conform to the norms and patterns we see around us. It is not possible for a mind that is set in conformity to the standards and patterns of a God-hating world to appreciate or desire His will.
And how do you renew your mind? The Word of God is key! God’s mind is embedded in His word, and the more you interact with His word, the more familiar you become with His mind. To think more and more like God, you must hear Him speak to you more and more. Read the Bible! Study and meditate! The word of God has life in it; there is power in it to renew your mind.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Heb 4:12.)
Do you desire that things be different for you this year, especially in your walk with God? You want to experience a new freshness in your Christian life this year? Give more time to the renewal of your mind! Open up to the word of God. Read and study it more frequently, more consistently. And spend more time in prayer! Perhaps you need to cut down a bit on other inputs? Perhaps you need to find more time to isolate – away from the din and the clutter in the air around? Whatever steps you take to get more of His word into you will be well worth it.