Minding Your Mind:
Renewing of Your Mind – Part 2

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.

Yesterday we looked at the need for renewing our minds.  Today, let’s look deeper into how God accomplishes that in us.  First, the Apostle Paul reminds us to focus on God’s mercies.  He starts this discussion with the words: “in view of God’s mercies.”  Look back at Romans 11:33: “Oh, the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable His judgments and His paths beyond tracing out.”  Out of this immeasurable wisdom, God deems to be a part of our lives.  What mercy!  Once I have focused on God’s mercy, I’m ready to take the next step toward the transformation of my mind.

            The next step is to present myself to God as a living sacrifice.  If we are going to eliminate our soft addictions, we must be willing to sacrifice the pleasures we feel we are getting out of them.  This is a step of faith in the better life and more pleasures that God offers.  This willingness to honor God by giving Him our lives—fully and completely—opens us up to the transformation process!

            The third step is probably the most difficult: Identifying the patterns of this world in your life.  Soft addictions are certainly not all that is included in this category, but they are part of it.  The reference to “world” is a word that contrasts what God wants for us.  (More tomorrow.)

Father, as I realize all you are and have given to me, I present myself as a living sacrifice.  Show me patterns that are un-Christlike in my life.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.