Minding Your Mind:
Renewing of Your Mind – Part 3

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.

We need to look one more time at our scripture in Romans for this critical process of renewing our minds.  The third step is identifying the soft addictions that are following the patterns of the world.    Again, these soft addictions are normally not sinful, as much as they are stumbling blocks to our abundant living.  Surfing the internet for hours may not be sinful, but you know it’s taking time that could be used much more constructively!  Watching TV mindlessly, surfing the channels, with no real interest except killing time, is not leading you to the life God intended.  Shopping far more than needed because of boredom, not only can wreck the budget, but isn’t a self-esteem activity!

            If you are a parent who knows your children are spending far too many hours playing computer games, Facebooking, or texting, you need to deal with this soft addiction issue in their lives now.  Creativity is diminished when too much mind numbing activity is allowed early in their lives. Parents know how difficult this is because the kids just can’t see it!  Being the bad guy and setting boundaries is not an easy task, but that is why the adults are given the task of parenting, rather than the under 18 crowd!

            Once the soft addiction is identified, it must be presented to God for His help in bringing it under control.

Father, transform my mind, help me to see the patterns in my life that are worldly.  Grant me the strength and courage to face them.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.