Minding Your Mind:
Renewing of Your Mind – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Romans 12:1-8

Key Verse:  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 has given us a powerful tool to live our life to the full: Our minds.  Norman Vincent Peale was quoted when he said: “Change your thoughts, and you change your world.”  If we can have clarity of mind and get rid of “stinkin’ thinkin,’” we will enjoy a life of positive influence.  Soft addictions come from and are maintained by errant thinking.

            Some types of mind games that keep us stuck in our soft addictions are: excuses, rationalizations, denial, defensiveness, and lies.  As long as our minds use these negative games, we can never get to the reality of our poor behaviors.  We must mind our mind, getting control of its random patterns of thinking.  One author used the illustration of a person trying to monitor a playground that is full of energetic children.  When we mind our minds, we keep track and control of our thoughts as they skip, leap, and run through our minds.  Our thoughts need control and direction.  Our “stinkin’ thinkin’” needs discipline and to be pointed toward more positive alternatives.

            The good news is: God offers us the only real help that we so desperately need.  The Apostle Paul tells us to renew our minds.  This week we are going to look at the ways the Bible helps us transform the patterns of our thinking to the positive, God honoring ways of thinking!

Father, I want my thinking to be molded by your Holy Spirit.  Please reveal your truth and I will walk in it.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.