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Romans 12:2: "Do not conform 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."
The apostle Paul wrote these words in a letter to the early church in Rome sometime between 55 and 58 AD, approximately 25 years after Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection.
To fully understand the depth of this text, we must look back to Verse 1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your true and proper worship."
A good rule of thumb, especially to readers of the Bible, is when the word "therefore" pops up, figure out what it's there for... usually something important.
The "therefore" in this text refers to the great gifts God has given us through his son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Despite Paul's many hardships, his life (following his divine transformation) was dedicated to preaching Jesus everywhere he went.
Paul emphasizes that we, too, can and should become transformed by the power of God. Jesus came to save us from the sin and evil the world often has to offer, so we should live our lives as set apart from the world, and become more like Him.
In other words, the transformation by the renewing of our minds is in response to God's great love, grace and mercy. If we truly want to be a follower of Christ, then we make the sacrifice, or effort, to resist the world, and be more like Jesus.
Here are a few ways to begin to renew our minds and transform to become a true follower of Christ:
Submit to God's will and pray
God has a perfect plan and purpose for each of us. In order to be led by the Holy Spirit into that purpose, we must get real with God in prayer, and surrender our own will to His perfect one. The Bible is full of God's promises and assures us His way is always better than anything we can dream! Ask the Lord to help you with this, and He surely will.
Soak in God's word
Holy Scripture is the primary tool to renew our natural thinking and become transformed by God. Read it daily, study it and try memorizing key verses so you can carry them with you.
Take Thoughts Captive
We CAN change our thinking patterns! Pay attention to negative thoughts, such as fear, doubt, anxiety or temptation to sin. When these arise, challenge them against the truth of the Bible.
Guard Your Hearts
Remember the adage "garbage in=garbage out?" It's true! We must all be careful with what we watch, read and listen to. Set boundaries on your media consumption and deliberately choose life-giving, positive content. We cannot be transformed into a true follower of Christ when we are neck deep in the world.
I pray this has blessed you and you are well on your way to renewing your mind and transforming your life into something that is pleasing to God!
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Pastor Sue Wilson Radel of Forest Baptist Church.