Romans 12:1-2, I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Living a successful life as a believer is not only challenging but impossible! Without yielding to the necessary process of renewing our minds, we will continue to experience failure and defeat instead of walking victoriously in all of our endeavors. We should stand out and make a difference, as we reveal Christ’s character through the way we handle our affairs and circumstances in life, both good and bad. Even the way we treat others, whether they are kind, rude, or evil, we must respond and be known by the love of God expressed through our attitudes and dispositions. In the body of Christ (The Church), there has not been a great emphasis on mind renewal as believers, and it has left the church (you and me) weak and vulnerable to the deception of the enemy. How are we going to discern and know the devices of the evil one if we don’t know the TRUTH? We need to submit and commit to our Lord Jesus and cooperate in a relationship with Him through the Word.
Romans 12:1-2, Apostle Paul urges us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God, meaning to offer our whole selves to God, not holding back that which we still want to control. Turn the reins over to Him and trust that He will lead you through the process of renewing your mind. In the same scripture, we are also urged not to conform to the patterns of the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and when we renew our minds, we will live harmoniously with God and community. This new way of thinking allows you to understand and discern what the good and perfect will of God is for your lives and will make you an effective witness for God and enable you to advance the Kingdom for His glory.
As I’m reminded of Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” meaning to allow His perspective, mindset, attitude, and humility be in you. I want you to be aware that you have a responsibility in doing your part. God will not magically renew your mind or force His thoughts upon you; you must be willing to cooperate. Cooperating with God involves spiritual disciplines such as studying and meditating on the Word of God, prayer and fasting, and applying the Word to your everyday life. This rhythm is where transformation occurs, and you become more like Christ in your thinking and are empowered to live victoriously!
A Key Takeaway: Remember you are fighting the good fight of faith, and you’ve already won, it’s a fixed fight. Don’t grow weary in this process, it’s important to cast down vain imaginations and every high and lofty argument that exalts itself against the knowledge of the Word of God. Bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5