TRANSFORMED THINKING
By Carolyn Dale Newell
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.
Rom. 12:2 (NKJV)
At salvation, we became new creations (2 Cor. 5:17). Therefore, there is a change in our behavior, and a transformation, a metamorphosis, in our thoughts and attitudes. It occurs daily, constantly, as our minds are renewed by reading the Bible. That is why daily Bible study, meditation and memorization are vital to a Christian’s life.
Do not conform to this world – this age that we live in with it’s’ values. Our world calls “evil good, and good evil” (Is. 5:20). “World” in this verse does not refer to God’s created wonders, but it is the world system which “lies under the sway of the wicked one” – Satan, (1 John 5:19b).
As our minds are renewed, our wills are also changed. We are no longer asking God for our selfish desires, but we want His will for our lives. It changes the way we pray and the way we react. For example, when I quickly began to lose my remaining vision, my prayer was for God’s will, not my selfish will, to be done. Did I want to lose more vision? NO, but I know that God’s will is better for me. Losing my vision has been the best thing that has happened to me because through it, God has used me for His glory.
You may feel as if you could never pray like that. I felt the same way at one time. A renewed mind and will occurs with much time in good, sound Bible teaching. You ask God for it, and He will bless you. It is a process. Think back to the time prior to your salvation. Look at the changes in your life. A year from now, you will see even more changes.
This world is not our home. We have been transformed on the inside, and that should show up on the outside. A renewed mind will desire the will of God, the perfect will of God. Make that your prayer today.
Dear Lord,
I want to have a renewed mind. I want the mind of Christ. Lord, lead me in my study time and throughout the day. Show me the things that are worldly, and cut them out of my life. Help me to live unselfishly for You, and not for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Rom. 12:1-2, Phil. 4:8, Col. 3:2.
HIKING THE TRAIL
There are some good preachers that teach sound Bible doctrine on the radio and internet. Set aside time for Bible study and prayer. Let your mind be saturated with the gospel, and not the things of this world. What is something worldly you can give up this week?
Copyright 2014 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 